Stars aligning for opener Pratika

Dreams coming true for India batter and father Pradeep, who has been a rock in her career

- GOMESH S @Navi Mumbai

ON Thursday, just as Pratika Rawal worked around New Zealand's Rosemary Mair to bring up her second ODI century at the DY Patil Stadium, a small banner was unfurled in one of the hospitality stands above the Indian dressing room. It read 100 Pratika Rawal: Proud Moment of Fatherwith Pradeep Rawal, her dad, on his feet, applauding the milestone moment of his daughter.

Pratika removed her helmet to acknowledge the crowd and her father. After all, much like it has been for Smriti Mandhana, 2025 has been a record year for Pratika too. She is the second leading run-scorer this year behind Mandhana and on Thursday, she went past Belinda Clark's previous record (970) for most runs in the calendar year as well.

This tournament, however, had not gone very well for Pratika until Thursday. With Mandhana not getting starts, oftentimes Pratika was holding the innings together and batting with Harleen Deol.