In a stellar performance, the Indian team beat South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.
History created! The Indian women’s cricket team won their first ever World Cup by beating South Africa by 52 runs in the final night on Sunday. And their achievement was such that even the players had difficulty believing it… difficult to understand the magnitude of what they had accomplished thanks to their superlative performances.
Right after the victory, the Indian players were not only elated but also expressed what was on their mind. Firstly, all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who made an excellent run against the Taznim Brits, and Laura Wolvaardt’s catch dedicated the World Cup victory to Pratika Rawal. Soon, Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and coach Amol Mazumdar followed.
Amanjot Kaur dedicates victory to injured Pratika Rawal
“It’s such a recovery – from where I was a year ago to where I am now. It means a lot. You can see the crowd – they’re all around us, the energy is incredible. We’re just getting started. We’re going to take it to the next level and dominate the world every moment,” she said on JioHotstar.
“I just want to congratulate everyone – my family, everyone watching me in India and around the world. They have supported me, sitting at home, cheering me on, believing. They are the ones who have helped me the most. I am so grateful that we can do this together. It’s incredible. The fans have been incredible. This one is for all of them – for every woman, for everyone watching, and especially for Pratika. Not everything is good in life, but there is some good in everything. I’m just grateful.
This is just the beginning, says Richa Ghosh
“It (winning the World Cup) means everything. We have been waiting for this for so long. Winning this World Cup, it’s a dream come true. We are world champions now. I can’t even describe how I feel. Everyone is looking at us. It’s so emotional – it’s completely different. We thought it was the last day of the tournament. Whatever we have, we give it our all.
“Whether it’s your body, your energy, your last strength, we play for each other. That was our motto: give everything. Yes, of course, there was pressure. The crowd was huge, the atmosphere was great. But I told myself: I did the job, trust yourself. Everyone in the team believed that I could finish it, and that belief helped me a lot.
Pratika Rawal ‘can’t express herself’.
“I can’t even express it. There are no words. This flag on my shoulder means so much. Being here with my team, it’s surreal. Injuries are part of the game. I’m so happy that I can still be a part of this team. I love this team. I can’t express how I feel – we did it! We are the first Indian team to win the World Cup in such a long time. The whole of India deserves this. Honestly, it was harder to watch than it was to playing. Every wicket, every boundary – it gave me goosebumps. The energy, the crowd, the emotion – it was incredible.
Coach Amol Mazumdar is proud of the Indian team
“I am speechless. Absolutely proud. They deserve every moment of this moment. The hard work, the belief – they made every Indian proud. We never considered these as defeats (talking about group stage defeats). We dominated most of these matches. We just had to finish better – and once we did, there was no turning back. This is a watershed moment (what does this mean for women’s cricket in India). The ripple effects will be felt for generations. Magical (talking about Shafali’s performance today). Semi-final, final, it comes back every time. Runs, wickets, catches – complete performance. I couldn’t be more proud.“
Editor’s Choice
India, world cricket champion! Harmanpreet Kaur and Co end the wait and win their first Women’s World Cup title
Featured
