Mumbai, Oct. 24 -- Pratika Rawal's father, Pradeep, expressed his delight and lavished praise on her after the 25-year-old's flamboyant 122(134) proved instrumental in India punching its ticket for the semi-finals of the ongoing Women's World Cup.

India was walking in a must-win territory against a resilient New Zealand at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Sports Academy on Thursday. With stakes running high, the coin spun in the White Ferns' favour and they put the hosts to bat. Pratika and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana notched a sizzling 212-run opening stand to put India in a position of control.

Pratika took her time on the crease before unleashing cut, pull, and drive shots to bring up her half-century in 75 deliveries. She flicked, danced dow...