Charged-up India ready to face balanced Proteas women, says Harmanpreet Kaur, ahead of World Cup final.

India women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur lauded the Proteas women for having a balanced team, but insists that her team is charged for the clash between the two teams in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

India women have lost three matches in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup thus far, and one of those matches was against the Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa women’s side.

India lost by three wickets with seven balls remaining, courtesy of heroics from Proteas women’s all-rounders Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon.

That loss has taught India that the Proteas are a balanced side with depth in the batting department and quality in the bowling attack.

Kaur lauded South Africa for recovering from their loss against England in the first game and for making it to the final for the first time.

“They (Proteas women) played very well, even though their start was not that good. Even after that (loss to England), the way they came back to this tournament, I think that's outstanding to watch,” Kaur told the media on the eve of the final. 

“I think it's a very balanced side. We know that they have a good bowling attack, and at the same time, there is a lot of depth in batting.

“But our team has also got a lot of positives. I think tomorrow's match is going to be very interesting, and we are mentally and physically preparing ourselves for that level, and hopefully we will enjoy ourselves tomorrow.”

Kaur insists that her team is charged up for the encounter and that playing in the final in itself is their motivation.

“I think when you are at a stage like this, playing the final match of the World Cup, I don't think there can be a bigger motivation. The entire team is fully charged up. They are standing with each other and are giving each other prayers and blessings,” Kaur said.

“I think that shows how much this team is with each other and how ready we are for this match. Now it's only about giving your best, strategy and everything. It's not that we have reached the final and we have to do all this today.

“We have been doing this for the last two years. Knowing that India is going to host the World Cup, and what conditions are going to be there. So we have prepared all that from the beginning. Now it's only about giving your 100% and being there for the team.”

The final is set to get underway at 11.30 am SAST on Sunday at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.