India's seventh or Sri Lanka's first?

As the curtain on the 2022 Women's Asia Cup is set to fall, captains of India and Sri Lanka, Harmanpreet Kaur and Chamari Athapaththu, met the media on Friday ahead of the final on Saturday. Here are the excerpts-

Harmanpreet Kaur

Difficult to play as the favourites

When you have set some standards, there are lot of expectations from you. It is very important for us to continue playing good cricket. I know we have created history but this is a fresh game. We have to be there, and look positive.

Sri Lanka winning a tight semi

We saw a lot of positives in their side, especially they don’t give up till the last ball. Their fight is outstanding to watch. Whenever any team plays good cricket, you can always learn from them.

Plan for final

We wanted to chase at every opportunity. I hardly won the toss, so we were doing what came our way. We chased both times we won the toss. We know Sri Lanka’s weak and strong points and make the strategy accordingly.

Spinners playing a major role

It will depend on the situation. Spinners will come into the game due to the slow wicket but we cannot just predetermine and take decisions now. We just need to be there, think what is helping us, and what we can do better for the team.

Chamari Athapaththu

Feelings for the final

It was a crucial game for us since we haven’t played the Asia Cup final for 14 years. We got the opportunity tomorrow. India is the favorite team. They have been playing well for the last three or four weeks, particularly in England. We want to play good cricket because all the media and fans will be watching.

Gameplan for final

I always try to play positively. It is my gameplan. I tell my team the same thing, to play positively.

Men's and women's both teams success

Both our men’s and women’s team weren’t doing well in the last two years. After the men’s team won the Asia Cup, it was great for us as a cricket nation. The country is also in trouble at the moment so it is really good for the people. I want to put a smile in all of Sri Lankans face, as they would be watching the match tomorrow.

Defeat vs India in the group stage

We didn’t win that game as we didn’t play good cricket. We stuck with our plans after that. We are all in fresh mind, so this is another opportunity against India. We will stick with our plans, and put no pressure on the players.

Playing vs India

India is the favourite team in the tournament. They have good players. But as a captain, I don’t want to feel any pressure for tomorrow’s game. Whoever plays good cricket and makes fewer mistakes on that particular day, the team can win. We will stick to our plans.