Harmanpreet: ‘There Is Nothing Bigger Than a World Cup Final in Our Lives’

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said her team is focusing on staying fresh — both mentally and physically — ahead of Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final against South Africa, calling it the biggest moment of their careers. Speaking to reporters at the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday, Harmanpreet said India had spent the last two days prioritizing rest and recovery after their tense semi-final victory over Australia. “The semi-final was a very high-pressure game,” she said. “We worked very hard for years, and now it’s about keeping ourselves fresh for tomorrow. Everyone has taken recovery seriously because this is the biggest stage for us.” For India, this will be their third appearance in an ODI World Cup final — and their first at home. South Africa, meanwhile, will be playing in the title match for the first time. “There is nothing bigger than this in our lives as cricketers,” Harmanpreet said. “We want to enjoy this moment and take small targets one at a time. If we achieve the small ones, the big ones will follow.” The path to the final was far from smooth for India, who won just three of their seven league matches before finding rhythm in the knockout stages. Harmanpreet said her players never lost belief even after defeats to higher-ranked teams. “Even after losses, everyone stayed positive and focused on reaching the final,” she said. The Indian captain, known for her intensity, admitted she is often moved to tears after both wins and losses. “I cry a lot — not only after losing but after winning too,” she said, smiling. “Beating Australia was special. I tell my players, don’t hide emotions — enjoy the moment.” A sell-out crowd is expected for Sunday’s final, where India hope to lift their first-ever women’s World Cup trophy on home soil.