Ahead of the WPL Final, Delhi Capitals' skipper Meg Lanning and आपली कर्णधार Harmanpreet Kaur addressed the media in a pre-match press conference. Both the captains looked relaxed and played on all the questions that came their way with some elan. Here are excerpts:

On meeting Meg Lanning again in a Final 

Harmanpreet Kaur: This is a different scenario. Our team is doing really well. Even Delhi has been doing good. I think we are looking forward to that (Final). And whatever happened (their previous encounters in the finals) is past. We cannot change. But we always want to do well in the future. 

On the impact of WBBL

Meg Lanning: I think the WBBL has played a massive role in developing cricket in Australia and around the world. It provides great opportunities for young players and exposes everybody to pressure situations and big games where you need to perform when it matters. So, I think that's certainly played a massive role in our success as an Australian team and being part of the WPL here is exactly the same. It's been so good to get to know and work with the local Indian players and try to keep developing cricket here in India and around the world. That's a great thing about franchise cricket. I have no doubt that WPL will continue to get bigger and grow. 

Harmanpreet Kaur: "WBBL played a very big role in their country. WPL is also going to play a big role in Indian cricket. Domestic players will get lots of opportunities, and we have seen many girls who have done well. After 2-3 years, we will start seeing the results. I am quite positive that in the future, the way Australia is doing well, our Indian talent will also do well."

On Indian players' fielding standards and fitness levels

Harmanpreet Kaur: If I talk about my team, players like Jinti – she is so fit. She is doing so well as a fielder. Even other players understand the level of cricket being played and are ready to change their game and approach. This is a learning process for them. We have been waiting for this opportunity, and now the stage is there. They will definitely learn from this tournament, and in the next season, we will see many changes and improvements.

On the WPL Final

Meg Lanning: Yeah, both Mumbai and Delhi have been consistent throughout the tournament. We have played some really good cricket and had two good contests already. Looking forward to taking on a really good team. They played well last night (Eliminator) to get to this point. So we know how dangerous they can be. They have got many great players. It's a massive challenge for Delhi, but we are also confident. We have been pushed in a few games, which is really important, and that has prepared us nicely for a high-pressure game. We just have to go out there and play our best cricket. We have played with a smile on our faces and really enjoyed it. That is certainly what I would be encouraging the girls to do. 

On batting with Shafali Verma

Meg Lanning: Batting with Shafali has been great fun. She has got a unique style which works for her. She takes the game on and can turn the game in our favour quickly. She has had a strong tournament and is in good form heading into the final. Hopefully, she comes in with a clear mind, and I can watch another show from the other end.

On the "Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma" combination

Harmanpreet Kaur: I think in this tournament, they are the best opening combination. Against us also in the last game, they did really well. Even against other teams, they are giving good starts. We know what they can do and how dangerous they are. We have some plans, and hopefully, we will execute them in the final.

On the crowds in the tournament

Harmanpreet Kaur: We were very happy from day one - the way people came and watched. We have a lot of support from the crowd, and I think that's what we expected. Last game, 30,000 people were there, and that is something we were always hoping for. I am sure a lot of people will come for the final. We are happy that people are coming and supporting women's cricket. It is a great achievement for all of us.

Meg Lanning: "The crowd has been amazing. The atmosphere has added to the whole tournament and the overall experience. Wanting to play in front of big crowds is very much possible in women's cricket, and that is a strong message going out to the young girls who have just started to play the game. Final will be a great spectacle. A lot of people will be interested in watching. I feel very lucky to be a part of it." 

On coming up against Harman

Meg Lanning: Coming up against Harman is always a good challenge. She has shown that she is an excellent leader and gets results both individually and within the team. It is always a great contest against a team led by Harman. We always look forward to challenges like that coming into the tournament. Putting teams together on short notice has been a good learning opportunity for all of us.   

On Meg Lanning as a captain 

Harmanpreet Kaur: Since the day I started playing cricket, I have seen Australia doing well. They always have had great captains. Meg has a very good team (Australia). It is easy for her to make those changes and come up with good plans. Even in WPL, she has a balanced side and is leading from the front. She is not someone who is dependent on the players. This is what has been the learning for me from Meg. She doesn't give up easily. We have to fight until the end, and our team is ready for that. 

On opening the batting

Meg Lanning: I talked with JB (Jonathan Batty), our coach, about what role I would play. We had that conversation with every player, to be honest, to try and find the best combination to win us the games. I guess we just decided that opening for me was the best way to do it, especially batting with Shafali. I think we have a good sort of combination there. We play differently as well. We have got Rodrigues, Capsey and Kappie coming behind us. It's just sort of the way it panned out. I am more than happy anywhere in the order. I have enjoyed opening. It is probably my favourite place to bat. Also, Shafali has taken a lot of pressure off me. She has made my job a little bit easier by taking the attack to the opposition players. Hopefully, we will have one more big partnership in the final.

On what has clicked for her

Harmanpreet Kaur: I think if we look at our team combination, we have a lot of experience from the overseas players. They have done well for their country. Our local players, too, have some experience at the domestic level. Then we have Amanjot, who did really well in South Africa. There is Pooja too. When you have a great team combination, you feel positive. Your job is only to go out there and express yourself. We are enjoying each other's success. Our team atmosphere has been good; the credit goes to the support staff. They are always there for us. When you work together, you always get good results. I am feeling more relaxed and enjoying myself in this tournament.