Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Ayesha Zafar Plays Down India-Pakistan Asia Cup Rivalry
Pakistan is getting ready to play India in the Asia Cup.
Many people think matches between these teams are especially important.
Ayesha Zafar said her team is treating it like any other game.
She said Pakistan wants to play well and try to win.
Pakistan already beat Thailand in its first match.
The team has India and Hong Kong left in its group matches.
One more win would secure Pakistan a place in the last four.
Ayesha also said the team has been working hard on batting, bowling and fielding.
India’s Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are also reported to be in strong form.
Pakistan opener Ayesha Zafar called the upcoming India match “just another match.”
Pakistan will face India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 5.
Pakistan began its Asia Cup campaign with a win over Thailand.
Pakistan needs one more victory against India or Hong Kong to reach the last four.
Ayesha said Pakistan is emphasizing batting, bowling and especially fielding.
- Who
- Pakistan opener Ayesha Zafar and the Pakistan and India cricket teams.
- What
- India and Pakistan are scheduled to play an Asia Cup group match.
- When
- Saturday, September 5, following the article’s publication on September 4, 2026.
- Where
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
- Why
- Pakistan is seeking to build on its win over Thailand and move closer to a place in the last four.
Pakistan's On-Field Focus
Rivalry Hype
Importance of the fixture
Pakistan's On-Field Focus
Ayesha Zafar said Pakistan is treating the India match as just another game, taking one match at a time and focusing on winning.
Rivalry Hype
The article says India-Pakistan matches rarely feel like dead rubbers because of the teams' rivalry, even though Pakistan needs only one further win to qualify.
- Pakistan's opening result
- Pakistan defeated Thailand in its first Asia Cup match.
- Remaining group matches
- Pakistan has India and Hong Kong left to play.
- Qualification position
- Pakistan needs one victory to seal a place in the last four.
- Match date
- Saturday, September 5.
- Match venue
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- Ayesha Zafar's approach
- She said Pakistan is taking one match at a time and treating the India fixture as another match.
- India's reported form
- Smriti Mandhana scored a hundred against Hong Kong, while Mandhana and Shafali Verma were described as being in top form.