'Pressure of an IND vs PAK game can't be felt anywhere else' - Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of Women's Asia Cup clash

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has highlighted the unique intensity surrounding matches between India and Pakistan ahead of the Women's Asia Cup 2026. The tournament will be held entirely at Dubai International Stadium in the UAE from August 28 to September 13. India will begin their campaign against Thailand on August 30 before facing Pakistan on September 5 in a Group A fixture.

Speaking about the distinctive nature of India-Pakistan encounters, Kaur explained the psychological demands that set these matches apart from other international cricket contests. The India captain reflected on how the rivalry transcends the sport itself and carries a weight that extends across the entire nation.

"No doubt it's a high-pressure game, and as a player you need to deal with multiple things. We keep playing international cricket, but the amount of pressure in an IND vs PAK match, that kind of pressure you don't feel anywhere else. In fact, you might play many big matches, but you don't feel that kind of pressure. Somewhere, we know every Indian is watching, not only cricket fans, but every Indian is watching because that match is so important for all of us. I think as a captain and as a player, I try to keep things very simple, very easy," Kaur said via Sony Sports.

Managing pressure in India-Pakistan matches

Kaur's approach to managing the pressure involves maintaining focus on fundamental aspects of the game rather than the broader context surrounding the fixture. She emphasised that following established routines and staying present in the moment are key to delivering results when the stakes are highest. The experienced veteran stressed that building game plans around team demands, rather than being overwhelmed by external expectations, helps players perform under such intense conditions.

"Only focus on cricket, focus on our aims, focus on our routines, because when you follow your routines, you will always get the results. So I think results come later, but before that, every moment, whatever things we need to do, it's better to focus on those rather than just putting pressure that you have to win the match. The idea always is not to think too far into the future but to be in the present and try to give your best. Whatever the demand is from the team, make our game plan accordingly," she added.

India are the most successful team in Women's Asia Cup history, having won the title seven times. The defending champions for the tournament are Sri Lanka, who defeated India in the previous Women's Asia Cup final. India's squad for the tournament includes Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, alongside players such as Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh and Renuka Thakur. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals on September 10 and 11, with the final scheduled for September 13.