While not perfect, Sakura was able to effectively fight Sasori after a bit of help from Chiyo. Kisame was keeping up with Killer Bee, I don’t see Sasori cutting him much at all.
Sasori is a good opponent against Kisame, his iron sand makes it near impossible for Kisame to get close without a risk of being hit. I do think a Daikodan ends this though. A jutsu Kisame can use at any point, with or without water.
not impossible for Sasori to win but by the nature of how Sasori fights, I think he’s forcing Kisame to use a long ranged, chakra eating bomb earlier than most opponents would. Fusing with Samehada won’t work, he can’t control the environment because of the iron sand, etc. it’s either that or subterranean voyage but I see the former as a more likely winning strategy.