India opener Pratika Rawal, who was ruled out of the Women’s World Cup  due to an ankle injury she sustained in the final group game against Bangladesh, reckoned it was harder as a spectator to watch the final than play a part in it. 

“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! The whole of India deserves this. Honestly, it was harder to watch than to play. Every wicket, every boundary — it gave me goosebumps. The energy, the crowd, the emotion — it was incredible,” said a jubilant Rawal, while celebrating on the sidelines in a wheelchair.