Final won't be easy, but we're up for the challenge, says Mithali Raj

The countdown for the much awaited ICC Women’s World Cup final begins as India and England are set to lock horns in a tantalising encounter at the Lord’s. Whilst the experts predict an English triumph at the home of cricket, Team India has overcome all the odds throughout the tournament and they stand every chance of lifting the coveted trophy.

Beating the defending champions Australia came in as a huge bonus for the Indian side as far as their confidence levels are concerned. But skipper Mithali Raj feels that it won’t be a walk in the park for her side and they will have to bring out their best to get the better of their opponents.

“As a team we are all very excited to be a part of the final. We knew that this tournament wasn’t going to be easy, but the way the girls have turned up at every situation when the team needed, both batswomen and bowlers, has been fantastic,” she said in the pre-match interaction with the media.

Lauding England’s incredible comeback in the tournament after losing to India in the opening match, she said her side is up for the challenge that lies ahead.

“It definitely isn’t going to be easy for England. But it will come down to how we perform on that day. We really have to work on our planning and strategy because England have also peaked after being defeated by us in the first game,” Mithali added.

“The unit looks a lot more compact now”

She was also elated with the fact that every player is chipping in with a good performance in different games and the standard of the side has risen quite dramatically in the last one year. With all the bowlers and batters looking in good touch, she said that the unit was looking a lot more complete and compact.

“Harman’s innings was exceptional. Bowlers have done really well. We have players now who are of international standard. They are standing up every game. We have a new players who can be counted and can perform for the team,” she opined.

“We have seen Smriti (Mandhana) playing one of the best innings against England. Then Punam Raut scored against Australia, while we all saw what Harman is capable of doing. So, the top order is scoring when it’s actually needed and also the response from the bowling unit has been brilliant,” the Indian skipper added.

“WBBL helped Harmanpreet grow”

The entire country is still in awe of Harmanpreet Kaur‘s extraordinary effort against Australia, so is the Indian skipper. She also lauded Women’s Big Bash League for the extensive growth of Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana and said such tournaments are imperative for Women’s cricket.

“I think the transformation (came) after she played in the WBBL. That exposure to Harman and Smriti (was important)… a lot of knowledge of interacting with other players. If more players are a part of these leagues, it will only help improve the standard of women’s cricket as well as it’s very beneficial for youngsters and players from Indian team,” she said.

“A very special moment for us”

Team India is entering the final after 12 long years and Jhulan Goswami, the stalwart of Indian cricket and one of the two individuals who had featured in the 2005 edition’s final other than Mithali Raj. She said that the team is really looking forward to playing some good cricket on Sunday and they won’t be thinking of what has happened in the past.

“Whatever has happened in the past is history. It’s a fresh game. As a team we are going to enjoy this moment and we want to do well. We will want to focus on the process and not worry about the result. Because this is going to be a rare moment,” she said.

Mithali also added that the last three editions of the World Cup haven’t been memorable for them and they’re looking to win the final and compensate for the previous few occasions. “Lord’s has a lot of history. Very special moment for all of us. We didn’t perform the way we wanted to perform in the last three World Cups, so this is a moment we are going to cherish for some time,” she concluded.