Women’s Asia Cup 2026: ‘This is just another match’ – Ayesha Zafar plays down rivalry

Pakistan batter Ayesha Zafar has downplayed the intensity surrounding the India-Pakistan women’s cricket rivalry ahead of their second match in the ongoing Asia Cup. Speaking ahead of the fixture scheduled for September 5 in Dubai, Zafar emphasised that her team is approaching the contest with a measured mindset rather than treating it as a high-stakes encounter.

Zafar stated that Pakistan are taking their campaign one match at a time following their opening victory. Pakistan defeated Thailand by 35 runs in their first match, scoring 119 in their innings with Muneeba Ali scoring a half-century in that contest. India, meanwhile, set a target of 194 against Hong Kong and bowled them out for 56, securing a 137-run victory. Smriti Mandhana scored 124 in 64 balls in India’s dominant performance.

“Yes, it is India vs Pakistan, but this is just another match. We are trying to take the matches day by day. It is our second match, so we are hoping to put up a good show and go towards winning it,” Ayesha said as quoted by Dawn.

Pakistan’s preparation for the India encounter has been thorough and strategic. The team has focused on multiple aspects of their game, with fielding emerging as a key area of emphasis. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the team in Dubai recently, encouraging the players to perform regardless of the outcome.

“We cannot specifically focus on one thing, overall we have focused on all three. Fielding has been one of the factors on which we have been putting in a lot of work. Our mentor also said we cannot compromise on fielding, because it is something that can win you matches. I think the result in cricket matters a lot depending on the type of pitch made and the conditions on the day. We are fully prepared and will try our best to win,” Ayesha said.

“He encouraged us, and told us to put up a good show regardless of winning or losing,” she concluded.