England Loss Helped Us Learn And Get Over The Line Today: India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur

Team India scripted arguably the most extraordinary win in Women’s ODI history in Navi Mumbai on October 30 (Thursday) as they completed the highest successful chase in the format’s history (339) to book their place in the World Cup Final on Sunday. 

Not many backed the Women in Blue to get over the line after conceding 338, but an unbeaten 127 from Jemimah Rodrigues ensured that the home team comprehensively beat the defending champions to end Australia women’s streak of 15 consecutive World Cup matches won. 

India finished off the job with 9 balls to spare, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur asserted that the close loss against England Women 12 days ago helped the side learn and cross the line this time around. There, India were 234/3 in 41 overs at one point chasing 289, but still slipped to a 4-run defeat.

“That day [England] we had realized that we didn't execute ourselves really well especially the last five overs,” Harmanpreet said, speaking after the historic win.

“We were late by two or three overs. We could have taken a bit more risk a few overs earlier but I think that really cost us and that's what we all discussed in the team room that we had to really be calculative because once you are out of the game, it's very hard to come back. 

“In a 50-over game, you have a lot of chances to keep coming back even if you're making mistakes but the last five overs are something where you have to be very particular. You have to be very calculative. 

“I think we all knew what we had to do. If we again come in, again in the same situation and today was the same thing, we wanted to finish this before the 50th over and that exactly happened.”

India are into the final of the 50-over World Cup for the first time in 8 years, in a home World Cup no less, and Harmanpreet expressed that she ‘didn’t have words’ to encapsulate the utterly surreal feeling.

“I'm absolutely very proud. I don't have words how to express myself but feeling great,” Harmanpreet said.

“This time we have passed that line which we have been working hard for so many years. It's an amazing feeling.

“Me and [head coach] Amol Muzumdar spoke to each other that we have done this.

“We have been working so hard and both of us really proud of this team and we have that trust that each and every player can win any match, any time, in any situation. 

“We made a few mistakes in this tournament but at the end of the day we have been learning from our mistakes and today was the day where we wanted to do everything in our favor in every situation. 

“We were working hard. We kept telling ourselves to be there for the team and I think that really worked for us.”

A World Cup title has eluded the Indian Women’s team, but Harmanpreet & Co. will have the opportunity to script history on Sunday in Navi Mumbai when they take on South Africa Women. Both sides have not won the World Cup trophy to date, and so a first time winner is guaranteed. 

The team India skipper said that she and her side were grateful for the support they’ve received, and are eager to win the World Cup for their fans and their families. 

“We’ve already started speaking about our next game. So I think that shows how focused we are and how we are keen to win this World Cup because playing in home conditions is very special to us and we just want to give it to our fans, to our families who have been praying for us for so many years. 

“I think this is a great time for us to deliver for our fans and family and hopefully one more game to go and we will keep giving our best.”