Pratika Rawal, the 25‑year‑old wicket‑keeper opening bat for India, surprised fans by revealing that her dad had made special banners for the World Cup match against New Zealand. The cricketer only learned about the banners after her teammates mentioned them post‑innings.
India rode a massive 212‑run partnership with teammate Smriti Mandhana to a decisive win in Navi Mumbai. Their opening stand helped the team post a huge total, setting the tone for the match and clinching victory in a do‑or‑die game.
In a video released by the BCCI, Pratika said, “I wasn’t aware until today when my dad showed me the banners one by one. The first one was for the 50‑run partnership between me and Smriti. My teammates told me after my innings that my dad had a few banners, and I was happy to see him proud. He wanted me to play for India from a young age, and seeing him enjoy this moment means a lot to both of us.”
The upbeat moment came after a tough start to her World Cup run. Critics had noted that she began well in earlier matches but failed to convert starts into big scores. Pratika explained that when the team needed a win, the pressure made her focus on the bigger picture. “I wanted to score in a way that helped India win. A World Cup century is special since we’re chasing the biggest title, and I was happy to deliver when we needed it to reach the semifinals.”
She also emphasized how fitness has boosted her game. “I spend hours running and hitting the gym before a match, staying fit year after year. My coach used to say this would pay off later, and it did.”
With India now in the World Cup semifinals, the next challenge is a group‑stage match against Bangladesh before the knockout round. Playing at home, the women’s team hopes to use familiar conditions to their advantage.
Pratika added, “It feels great to have visualised this. Winning the semi‑finals is one step closer to the final. We’re excited for the next match.”
India’s cricket journey continues as they prepare for the upcoming clashes, confident in their squad’s strength and the support of fans cheering all the way from India.
Source: ianslive
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