India’s women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur opened up about the emotional scars of past defeats on Saturday, just a day before her team’s showdown with South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium. Kaur, who has led India to the brink of glory multiple times but fallen short in key moments, emphasised that her squad’s familiarity with heartbreak fuels their current resolve. “We know how it feels to lose. But we are looking forward to how it feels to win,” she declared, setting a poignant tone for what promises to be a historic clash where a new champion will emerge alongside past winners Australia, England, and New Zealand.

The final marks a redemption arc for India, who last reached the Women’s World Cup summit in 2017 but suffered a crushing eight-wicket loss to England in the final at Lord’s. Under Kaur’s captaincy since 2017, the team has endured semifinal heartbreaks in the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, often undone by batting collapses or bowling lapses under pressure. South Africa, appearing in their first-ever final, brings fresh motivation after upsetting England in the semifinals, led by all-rounder Marizanne Kapp’s match-winning exploits. Both sides have shown resilience throughout the tournament, with India topping the group stage unbeaten before edging Australia in a thriller.

Kaur’s admission reflects a maturing Indian side blending experience with youth, including standouts like opener Smriti Mandhana and spinner Deepti Sharma, who have shouldered the load in the absence of injured stars. The captain highlighted team bonding sessions and mental conditioning as key to channelling past pain into performance, drawing parallels to India’s triumphant 2023 Asia Cup campaign. For South Africa, coached by Hilton Moreeng, the match is a breakthrough opportunity, with players like Laura Wolvaardt aiming to end a 28-year drought in major ICC finals. The DY Patil pitch, known for favouring balanced contests, could tilt the scales toward the team that adapts quickest to spin and seam variations.

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With over 30,000 fans expected to pack the stadium on Sunday, the final transcends sport, symbolising the growth of women’s cricket in India amid surging viewership and grassroots investment. A victory would not only end India’s 12-year ICC white-ball trophy famine but also inspire a new generation, as Kaur noted the broader impact on aspiring athletes. As the clock ticks toward the 2:00 p.m. IST start, both captains exchange gracious words, underscoring mutual respect in a tournament that has elevated the women’s game to new heights of competitiveness and global appeal.

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