Can Pratika Rawal Describe Her Feelings After India’s Historic WC Title Win?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pratika Rawal expressed overwhelming emotions despite her injury.
- India's historic 52-run win over South Africa marked a significant achievement.
- Shafali Verma played a crucial role in the final with a score of 87 runs.
- Deepti Sharma was instrumental in the bowling attack, taking 5 wickets.
- The victory united the nation and highlighted the resilience of women's cricket.
Navi Mumbai, Nov 3 (NationPress) Indian opener Pratika Rawal, sidelined from the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 due to an ankle injury, was overwhelmed with emotions as she witnessed her team clinch the prestigious trophy with a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final on Sunday night.
Prior to her injury during India's last group-stage match against Bangladesh, Pratika was in exceptional form and was replaced by Shafali Verma, the standout player of the final, whose remarkable 87 runs helped India secure a formidable 298/7 in 50 overs.
Expressing her feelings while celebrating from the sidelines in a wheelchair, Pratika stated,
“I can’t even articulate it. There are simply no words. This flag on my shoulder represents so much. Being here with my team feels surreal. Injuries are a part of the sport, but I’m just thrilled to still be with this team. I adore this team. I can’t convey what I feel—we actually did it! We are the first Indian team to win the World Cup in ages. The entire nation deserves this. Honestly, watching was more challenging than playing. Every wicket, every boundary—it gave me goosebumps. The energy, the crowd, the emotions—it was phenomenal.”
Before her injury, the 24-year-old had emerged as one of India’s key players, ending as the team's second-highest run-scorer with 308 runs, including a century and a half-century.
In the final, South Africa appeared competitive at one point, but Deepti Sharma’s pivotal breakthrough triggered a significant collapse. After getting rid of Annerie Dercksen, the Proteas plummeted from 209/5 to 246 all out, handing India control and ultimately the title.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt (101) led the charge with an elegant century, but India’s bowlers maintained their composure. Deepti excelled with an impressive 5 for 39, while Shafali Verma and Sree Charani contributed with crucial wickets to secure a historic night for Indian cricket.
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