'Grateful for the opportunity' - Pratika Rawal becomes 150th ODI player for India, gets debut cap from Smriti Mandhana

It was a moment to cherish for 24-year-old top-order batter, Pratika Rawal, after she was presented her debut cap ahead of India Women's first ODI of the three-match series against the West Indies. 

There were some words of encouragement offered by the seasoned Smriti Mandhana, who was given the task of handing the 24-year-old psychology graduate her maiden international cap. While shedding light on the big challenge lying ahead of her in terms of opening the batting, Mandhana was confident that the talented youngster and her would forge some memorable stands in the future.

"Pratika, I have this opportunity to present you with your ODI India Cap. I've seen you, (and) whatever I've seen you during the last net session looks really promising. In order to get this, you need a lot of hard work, but now to keep continuing, you need even more hard work and win matches for India. All the best, opening is a big responsibility, and I'm sure that you know we both will have amazing partnerships for India going forward. All the best," shared Smriti ahead of the game.

Pratika, a psychology graduate, expressed her gratitude to be handed over her debut cap from a veteran like Smriti and was eager to make the most of the opportunity.

"I'm very grateful that I got this opportunity and especially wanted this cap from you (Smriti). I've looked up at you from the beginning. I'm very happy, and I'm really looking forward to it, and I hope we start a match (the series) with a win. It's actually surreal, I was waiting for this for a long time now. I'm very happy that I got this opportunity, and I just want to take this with both hands now. Thank you very much," she articulated.

And indeed, the Delhi-born batter did not disappoint. Although being slow off the blocks, she quickly caught up and looked at ease. She stitched a 110-run stand with Smriti before getting dismissed 10 runs short of her fifty, courtesy of a superb athletic effort by Hayley Matthews to hang on to an opportunity off her own bowling.

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It is a treat to watch her (Mandhana) from the other end: Rawal

The broadcasters chose Rawal to be interviewed during the mid-innings break. She conveyed how proud she was to represent the country. She also gave credit to Smriti for not only being supportive, but also being a "treat to watch".

Proud feeling obviously. This is what I love doing. To be able to do it for your country is a privilege. I was nervous, to be honest. Smriti Di helped me out there. The wicket was good, the ball was coming onto the bat. It is a treat to watch her (Smriti) from the other end. She batted tremendously well. I think it's a very good total to defend. There seemed a bit of dew as well," Pratika told between innings.

While Mandhana missed out on her milestone as well, vital contributions from the other batters ensured India Women ended up with 314 on the board.