A name quickly becoming the talk of the town in the cricketing world, Pratika Rawal was on the biggest of pedestals when she smashed a maiden international century for India Women during the third ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. At 24, she was only playing her sixth match for India Women and made an impressive debut into the record books with this brilliant innings. So, who is Pratika Rawal, and what makes her journey so remarkable?
A Record-Breaking Performance
On January 15, 2025, Pratika Rawal’s knock of 154 off just 129 balls – not to forget the 20 fours and one six – headlined India’s record total of 435/5. Rawal brought up her century in just 100 balls, using the block-pad combination as perfectly as she went for her shots. India Women first achieved 400-plus in ODIs when they broke their own record of 371/5, set in the same series.
In that same game, stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana also caught headlines, knocking up the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman – off just 70 balls. Together, Rawal and Mandhana produced a simply scintillating opening stand of 233 runs, which stands as the third-highest for India in women’s ODIs.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence: Who is Pratika Rawal?
Born on 1 September 2000, Pratika Rawal is from Delhi and plays cricket for both Delhi Women and India Women. This right-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler has carved a niche within such a short time as an efficient opening batter. Rawal debuted for international cricket against West Indies in December 2024 and in her very first six matches, has scored 444 runs, which is the most any batter scored in their initial six ODI innings in women’s cricket.
Rawal’s background story is equally captivating. An all-round achiever, she aced academics with 92.5% in CBSE exams and is also a psychology graduate. Her athletic versatility goes beyond cricket: she has also been the champion of the basketball team.
Rawal has been extremely consistent in the Ireland series. She scored 89 off 96 balls in the first ODI and batted through again in the second match while scoring a 67-run knock, which set the base for her explosive century that blasted her to power in the third game. Her adaptability, building of the innings, and striking at a brisk pace made her a starred player.
The partnership between Rawal and Mandhana is already going to be talked about as one of the most exciting in women’s cricket. Their 233-run stand came at a remarkable scoring rate of 8.73 runs per over, the second-highest for 200-plus partnerships in women’s ODIs.
What next for Pratika Rawal?
Her record-breaking performances have firmly established her as an indispensable member of the women’s cricket team of India. Fans are now looking forward to seeing her once again on the field, setting new standards of what can be achieved by young cricketers.
As Indian cricket keeps touching new heights, one thing would be beyond doubt when everybody would be looking back to claim: “Who is Pratika Rawal?”
Also, see: IND-W vs IRE-W: India becomes third team to cross 400-run mark in ODI cricket