As Pratika Rawal removed her helmet to celebrate her maiden Women's World Cup century against New Zealand at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the crowd erupted in delight. The 25-year-old raised her bat to acknowledge the roaring support as chants of "Pratika! Pratika!" echoed throughout the stadium.
Among the 25,166 spectators cheering for India's rising star was a familiar face – one who had dreamt of this moment all his life and was overwhelmed to see it unfold before his eyes. Pratika's father, Pradeep Rawal, was in attendance to witness his daughter announce herself on the grand stage of the World Cup.
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Watching her realise a dream he had nurtured for years, Pradeep was both elated and emotional – his decision to train Pratika, a student of psychology, from the tender age of three now vindicated in the most spectacular fashion.
Coming into the match amid murmurs about her strike rate, Pratika began her innings in her typically composed manner before pacing it beautifully to produce the finest knock of her career so far.
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