Harmanpreet Kaur Urges India To Trust Strengths Against Sri Lanka
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has urged her team to keep things simple and trust their strengths when they face Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final on Sunday, with the defending champions seeking to avenge their defeat in the previous edition.
India and Sri Lanka have emerged as the two standout sides in the tournament, setting up another high-stakes contest in Dubai. Harmanpreet, however, does not see the final as a battle between a stronger and weaker team.
Harmanpreet Kaur Wants India To Stay Simple
Harmanpreet believes the key to winning a tournament final is sticking to what the team does best rather than attempting anything extraordinary.
“Whenever you are playing a match which is so important to win the tournament, that day it is all about just playing on your strength and backing your strength,” she said at the pre-final press conference.
“Rather than trying too many things and thinking of doing something extraordinary, it is all about sticking to your strength, backing yourself and trusting your gut feeling.”
Sri Lanka defeated India in the 2024 final after chasing down India’s 165-run total with eight wickets in hand. Harmanpreet said India are not dwelling on that result but are aware of the challenge posed by the Sri Lankan side.
“Last time when we played against Sri Lanka, they came up with some really solid plans and solid performances. T20 is all about on a given day who is going to play the best cricket, they are going to win,” she said.
“There is no doubt about any team being stronger or any team being lesser than anyone. It is all about playing good cricket on an important day.”
India Batters Need Time In Dubai
Harmanpreet has been encouraged by the way different players have stepped up at various stages of the Women’s Asia Cup.
“Everyone in the team is very important and their contribution means a lot to us. It is good to see that whoever is getting the opportunity, they are coming up with some really solid performances,” she said.
India’s batting unit has produced runs in difficult situations, while the bowlers have consistently delivered strong performances.
The captain acknowledged that batting on the Dubai surface has not been easy and said India’s batters will need to spend time at the crease before looking to attack.
“This pitch is a little tough to bat on, but at the same time we just need to back ourselves, back our strength. We know we have such a good batting lineup,” she said.
“Whoever is doing well on that day should take the responsibility and finish the game for the team.”
Harmanpreet Kaur Praises Sri Lanka Bowling
Harmanpreet also praised Sri Lanka’s bowling attack for its ability to execute plans effectively on the Dubai surface.
She stressed the importance of patience for India’s batters, particularly in the early stages of their innings.
“You have to really spend some time and then you can go for your shot. Whoever is settled, that person needs to take the responsibility and play till the end,” she said.
India will also have to contend with Sri Lankan opener Chamari Athapaththu, one of the most dangerous batters in women’s cricket.
“We definitely want to take her wicket as soon as possible because we know how dangerous she is when she is batting. We want to come up with some solid plans against her, not only against her, but all the batters,” Harmanpreet said.
India Captain Plays Down Toss Pressure
The Indian captain refused to attach too much importance to the toss, saying it remains outside a captain’s control.
“I don’t put any pressure on myself because toss is something which I feel is not in my control. We have been playing here for almost two weeks. We know the conditions, the pitch, and I think it is all about trusting your plans, trusting your gut feeling and backing them,” she said.
Harmanpreet also emphasised the need for composure, warning that trying too hard to produce something special could lead to unnecessary mistakes.
“We have seen whenever we are trying to do something special or something extraordinary, we have always made so many mistakes,” she said.
“Tomorrow’s match is all about trusting yourself and trying to make fewer mistakes on the field. The team which makes fewer mistakes in an important game has more chances to win.”
Indian Fans Could Lift Team
Harmanpreet is also hoping for strong support from Indian fans in the Women’s Asia Cup final.
“They have been our biggest strength whenever we are playing. They come and cheer for us. They play a big part in our lives,” she said.
“When the stadium is packed, you feel more positive and you want to do more for your team. They mean a lot to us and hopefully they will come and cheer for the teams tomorrow.”
India will therefore enter the final with a clear message from their captain: trust their plans, play to their strengths and minimise mistakes as they seek to reclaim the Women’s Asia Cup title from Sri Lanka.
