The DY Patil Stadium erupted in cheers on Sunday night as India claimed their historic first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy. Amidst the joyous tears, 24-year-old opener Pratika Rawal, sidelined by an ankle injury sustained during the final group-stage match against Bangladesh, beamed with pride. Wrapped in the Indian flag, she joined her triumphant teammates from her wheelchair, a poignant symbol of their collective journey.
For Pratika, the night was a mix of emotions. Before her injury, she was in sensational form, finishing as India’s second-highest scorer with 308 runs, including a century and a fifty, playing a crucial role in leading the team to the final. While her absence was keenly felt, a remarkable turn of events saw her replacement, Shafali Verma, rise as the hero of the final. Verma’s stunning 87-run knock helped India set a formidable total of 298 for 7 against South Africa.
Once India secured a resounding 52-run victory, Pratika enthusiastically joined the celebrations. From the sidelines, she cheered on every moment, waving the tricolour with immense pride. Later, she was brought onto the field for the official post-match group photograph, where her teammates ensured she was positioned front and center, proudly holding the gleaming trophy from her wheelchair.
Overcome with emotion, Pratika struggled to find words. “I can’t even express it. There are no words,” she stated. “This flag on my shoulder means so much. To be here with my team — it’s surreal. Injuries are part of the game, but I’m just so happy I could still be part of this team. I love this team. I can’t express what I feel — we actually did it! We’re the first Indian team to win the World Cup in so long. The whole of India deserves this. Honestly, it’s harder to watch than to play. Every wicket, every boundary — it gave me goosebumps. The energy, the crowd, the emotion — it was incredible.”
The night culminated in one of the most heartwarming moments: Pratika, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared a joyful bhangra dance, with Pratika moving spiritedly in her wheelchair. This touching scene of the trio laughing and celebrating together quickly went viral, beautifully encapsulating the unity and resilience that propelled India to their historic triumph.
Ultimately, for Pratika, this momentous night transcended any personal disappointment. It was about immense pride – pride in her team, her country, and the incredible journey they embarked on together. Holding the flag close, she quietly affirmed, “We did it together. That’s all that matters tonight.”