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Français (Afrique)Team India started off with a bang and marched to 57 runs for no loss at the end of the powerplay. Smriti Mandhana scored 19 runs off 17 balls, while her opening partner Shafali Verma scored 38 off 19 balls.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was happy to bat first and put on a big score on the board.
"Yeah, we are going to bat first today. (The reasoning behind batting first)? Well, I feel it's a very important game for us, and I think having a score on the board is always positive. That is the reason we decided as a group that we'll bat first. (We all remember the 2024 final, Harman. How exciting is this opportunity to write a different ending tonight)? Well, I think every final is very important, and at the same time, there is a lot of pressure. I think today's game is about playing good cricket, staying in the moment and giving your best. (Any changes to your starting XI)? Yes, we do have one change. Pratika is resting today; Kamini is back. (Tell us more about Kamini; she's such a promising youngster)? Yeah, definitely. I think she has a lot of ability, and hopefully she'll enjoy herself today. (Any target you have in mind)? Well, I think we are not keeping a specific target in mind. It's all about using the batting power-play and then see how much we can get."Harmanpreet said.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu was happy to bowl first and chase down the Indian total.
"If we won the toss, definitely we would have bowl first, because we back our skills. Last few games we have bowled really well. [What would a successful title defence mean personally?] Actually, it's a really good thing for me as well as the team. As a country, we need to improve our cricket all the time. So we have good players. We will stick with our plans and we'll try to play positive cricket in the middle. [Any changes?] We are going with one change, Vishmi Gunaratne is playing in place of Sanjana Kavindi. I felt we needed some experience. [What total are you expecting to restrict India to tonight?] (The) first six overs (are) very crucial. So if we can get early (wickets), I think (there will be) pressure on them." Athapaththu said.
Playing XI for both teams:
Sri Lanka Women (Playing XI): Chamari Athapaththu(c), Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana(w), Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Mithali Ayodhya
India Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma