Smriti Mandhana, India’s vice‑captain, says the dream of lifting the Women’s World Cup trophy is within reach as the team heads to the final against South Africa. She praised the meticulous preparation of every squad member and urged her teammates to focus on 100 % effort in the big match.
The final will be played at DY Patil Stadium in Pune. India, the tournament hosts, face South Africa, who are making their first appearance in a Women’s World Cup final after beating England in the first semi‑final. India previously contested the final in 2005 and 2017, finishing as runners‑up to Australia and England respectively.
India pulled off a stunning five‑wicket win over seven‑time champions Australia in the second semi‑final, setting up the showdown with South Africa. That victory gave the home side a fresh chance to win the tournament for the first time.
“Playing a World Cup at home feels special,” Mandhana told JioHotstar. “I used to stand on the balcony of this stadium a few months ago, dreaming about winning here on Sunday. Now that dream is closer than ever. We’ve left the past and the semi‑final behind and are ready to give 100 % in the final.”
During the group stage, Mandhana broke a 26‑year old world record by scoring the most runs in a calendar year in Women’s One‑Day Internationals (ODIs). She then became the youngest and fastest batter to reach 5 000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in only her 112th match. She also surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the second‑highest century‑maker in women’s ODIs, with 14 centuries to her name.
When asked about her goals for the tournament, Mandhana emphasised that she had set aside personal targets. “My only goal was to do what the team needed from me,” she said. “I don’t want numbers on my record; I want India to win the World Cup. That’s what matters most.”
She reflected on India’s historic chase against Australia, highlighting the team’s positive energy and mutual support. “We believed we could chase a score over 340,” she recalled. “The partnership between Jemimah and Harman was unforgettable, and every player, from the bowlers to the batters, contributed. When bowlers held the opposition in check in the 30th and 40th overs, that was a credit to us.”
India’s journey to the final has already lined up some remarkable moments. With Mom and the entire squad firmly in sync, the team is ready to give their all in Pune on Sunday. If they win, it will be the first time India holds the Women’s World Cup trophy, adding a historic chapter to the country’s cricketing legacy.
Source: ianslive
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