"We know how it feels after losing" - Harmanpreet Kaur gets candid ahead of IND vs SA Women's World Cup 2025 final

India Women skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is hopeful of being on the right side of the result in 2025 Women's World Cup final after experiencing a massive setback back in 2017. She asserted that all the players are ready to give their 100 percent as the Women in Blue aim to clinch their maiden World Cup title.

India will take on South Africa in the Women's World Cup 2025 final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2. The hosts stunned Australia in the second semifinal to reach the World Cup final for the third time. They finished runners-up in 2005 and 2017. As for the Proteas, they have made it to the summit clash for the first time.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Women's World Cup 2025 final, Harmanpreet admitted that the match against South Africa is a massive day for the team and that everybody is looking forward to the mega contest. The Indian captain said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):

"We know pretty well how it feels after losing [a World Cup final]. We're really looking forward to the feeling of winning a final. Hopefully it's going to be a special day for us tomorrow. We've worked really hard, and now it's about getting everything together tomorrow."

India chased down a record target of 339 in the semifinal against Australia to book a place in the final. The knockout game was draining mentally and physically for the hosts. Harmanpreet admitted that recovering and being fresh for the final is extremely crucial. The 36-year-old elaborated:

"Because we have been working hard for so many years and we have been batting day and night, whenever our batters camped or there were team camps. Skill-wise we know we have done a lot. Now it's only about keeping ourselves fresh for tomorrow and recovery is something which we all talk about, and everybody is really taking that thing very seriously."

Chasing a huge total of 338 against Australia in the second semifinal, India got home by five wickets in 48.3 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 127*, while skipper Harmanpreet herself contributed a vital 89.

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"I cry a lot" - Harmanpreet Kaur opens up on emotional reaction after semifinal win

Emotions ran high in the Indian camp after Amanjot Kaur hit the winning runs in the semifinal against Australia. On the field, Jemimah broke down even as she was surrounded by elated teammates. In the dugout, Harmanpreet herself started crying. Explaining her reaction, the Indian captain said:

"I think I'm a very emotional person, and I cry a lot. So it's not like I cry only after losing. I have cried a lot after winning too, maybe yesterday you have seen me on television. But my team-mates have seen me in the dressing room many times - on small occasions also, whenever we have done well. I am the first person to cry."

South Africa beat India by three wickets when the teams clashed in the league stage in Visakhapatnam. The Women in Blue, though, would be confident of putting up a much better show in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert