India’s star opener Pratika Rawal talked about with admiration and pride Shafali Vermaperformed brilliantly in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 The final, where India won its first World Cup title by defeating South Africa By 52 runs. Despite missing out on playing in the knockout stage due to an unfortunate injury, Pratika expressed happiness over Shafali’s success and India’s historic win.
Interestingly, Shafali was not a part of India’s original team or even the reserve team at the start of the tournament. However, luck took a turn when Pratika suffered ankle and calf injuries during the group match against India bangladeshHe was eliminated from the competition. The team management chose Shafali as her replacement – a decision that ultimately proved to be a masterstroke.
Shafali Verma’s redemption arc and match-winning performance
Thrown in the deep end, Shafali bounces back in high-pressure semi-final Australia But could score only 10 runs before falling kim garthYet, she rose to the occasion when it mattered most – the grand finale. In a performance for the ages, the young opening batsman smashed a blistering 87 runs off 93 balls and also picked up crucial wickets later on. Laura Wolvaardt And marijane kappGave India the Women’s World Cup title for the first time.
His all-round talent not only turned the situation in India’s favour, but also displayed his mental flexibility and match temperament. Fans and former cricketers called him “the game-changer of the final”, a worthy title for the 21-year-old who made a remarkable comeback.
Pratika Rawal’s heartfelt praise for Shafali
talking to India TodayPratika recalled her early encounters with Shafali during domestic cricket and praised her for remaining grounded despite the limelight.
“I have a lot of respect for Shafali. I remember playing a home match against Haryana – she scored a century, and I was leading the opposition. Since that day, I have admired her a lot. What she did for our team was incredible,” Pratika said.
He praised Shafali’s ability to handle the pressure on the grandest stage and said: “It’s not easy coming into a semi-final with that kind of pressure, but she handled it beautifully. We all saw how well she played in the final as well. Her innings gave us the platform and her wickets sealed the deal.”
Also read: ICC announces team of the tournament for Women’s World Cup 2025, Laura Wolvaardt will lead
Pratika’s impressive campaign in multi-team event
Before her injury, Pratika was one of India’s most consistent performers in the tournament. He scored 308 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 51.33 and strike rate of 77.77. His extraordinary performance came to light new zealandWhere he scored a brilliant 122 runs, which helped India overcome the difficult phase after three consecutive defeats. South Africa, EnglandAnd Australia.
Although her campaign was cut short due to injury, Pratika acknowledging Shafali’s contribution shows true sporting spirit. For both players, the 2025 World Cup will be a career-defining chapter – one for their consistency and leadership, and the other for their heroics in India’s proudest moment.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
