Harmanpreet embraces Australia challenge ahead of World Cup

As World Cup preparations ramp up, teams are fine-tuning their squads for the marquee event beginning on September 30.

For hosts India, this includes a three-match ODI series against the defending champions, Australia. For skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and her team, this is the perfect challenge to sharpen their skills ahead of the tournament opener against Sri Lanka.

"Before the World Cup, this series is very important for us, and we are very happy that we have got this opportunity playing with one of the best teams before going to the World Cup.” said India captain Harmanpreet Kaur at the pre-match press conference.

“These three matches are very important. At the same time, we are thinking about giving opportunity to everyone so that everybody keeps fresh for the World Cup, and at the same time, this series is very important, and we will give a hundred percent and try to win."

The Indian skipper is proud of her side that has made leaps and bounds progress over the years and she believes this team has everything in them to beat a tough opposition like Australia.

“We have been a team that has been working hard and showing improvement day by day.

"On the other hand, Australia had a good set-up from the start. They have been dominating for a long time. But now we have come to a point where everyone is thinking that we can beat them. Earlier, we were working hard to get to that level.

"Now, we have seen that in a lot of areas, especially in fielding and fitness, we were working on that. But now, the results have started to come. No doubt, they have been dominating. They have been dominating for a long time. But we have also come on the stage. As a captain, I feel that there is a belief that our team is good and we can beat them any day.”

India have great momentum behind them, having won 9 of the 11 ODIs they have played this year. Their successes include series wins against England and Ireland, as well as a tri-series victory that featured Sri Lanka and South Africa.

“I think the process that has been going on for the past one and a half years has been quite good. We have seen a lot of improvements in it.

"Even the last series which we played in England, they had one of the best sides, and we beat them. So that shows that we are doing a lot of things right and are on the right track.

“It’s been many years since we all the girls are playing together. Now we know each other, we know what all the members of the team can give for the team.

"So I think now the belief is there in the team that we can beat any team any day. I think that is something which is very important. Wherever you are playing, it should be believed that first of all the end, then the result follows automatically. So I think that belief is there.”

Here's everything you need to know about the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, beginning September 30.