There’s something truly special brewing in Indian women’s cricket, and it was on full display at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on October 23, 2025. Under the bright lights and mounting pressure of the Women’s World Cup, India’s opening pair—Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal—put on a partnership for the ages, etching their names into the record books and, perhaps more importantly, into the hearts of fans across the nation.
Let’s set the scene: India had just come off a rough patch, losing three matches in a row. The stakes? Nothing less than a semi-final berth in the biggest tournament in women’s cricket. The opposition? New Zealand’s White Ferns, a side known for their discipline and fighting spirit. Yet, as the dust settled, it was the calm, clarity, and sheer willpower of India’s openers that carried the day, and the country, to a resounding 53-run victory via the DLS method.
How did they do it? With patience, poise, and an unbreakable partnership. Smriti Mandhana, already a household name, and Pratika Rawal, the psychology student-turned-cricketing sensation, added a staggering 212 runs off 201 balls for the first wicket. This wasn’t just a good start—it was the highest partnership for any wicket ever by India in Women’s World Cups. They now have seven century partnerships together, tying the legendary Mithali Raj and Punam Raut for the most by an Indian pair in Women’s ODIs.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra, herself a pioneer in the women’s game, was effusive in her praise. Speaking to Star Sports, she explained, “What makes Smriti and Pratika’s partnership special is their calmness and clarity. They understand their roles perfectly. Smriti even mentioned after winning Player of the Match that they focus on playing their individual games and trust that the partnership will deliver results. For any opening pair, understanding each other’s strengths and complementing them is crucial.”
It’s not just about the numbers, though those are impressive enough. Smriti Mandhana hammered 109 runs off 95 balls, while Pratika Rawal compiled a patient, gritty 122 off 134 balls. But as Chopra noted, it’s the way they go about their work—the composure, the trust, the ability to shoulder expectations—that sets them apart. “What’s most impressive about Pratika Rawal is her journey from a domestic cricketer who hasn’t played in the WPL to becoming a consistent performer at the international level. She has delivered under pressure, whether against Ireland, the West Indies, or in challenging conditions in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Her effort, composure, and ability to handle expectations stand out far more than the raw numbers. Scoring 1,000 runs in just 23 innings is impressive, but it’s the manner in which she has handled pressure and responsibility that truly makes her journey remarkable,” Chopra explained.
Pratika’s story is a remarkable one. A student of psychology with over 75 percent marks in her degree, she’s learned to master not just the physical, but the mental side of elite sport. Her brother, Shashwat Rawal, calls her a genius, and on that Thursday against New Zealand, genius was exactly what India needed. Pratika’s approach at the crease was nothing short of meditative. She took ten balls to get off the mark, refusing to be rushed or flustered. Her fifty arrived from 75 balls, her century from 122. It was a lesson in patience and self-belief—a mind trained to withstand pressure, guiding the body through every challenge.
Her journey hasn’t been a fairytale of instant stardom. Pratika Rawal didn’t burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy, nor did she ride the wave of Women’s Premier League hype. Instead, she toiled in the less-glamorous world of domestic cricket, representing Delhi in tournaments that rarely make headlines. Yet, when her chance came, she seized it with both hands. She made an immediate impact against Ireland and West Indies, and when the going got tough in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, she hung in there, grinding out runs and building her reputation as a reliable performer.
Against New Zealand, she reached a milestone that puts her among the game’s elite: becoming the joint-fastest batter to 1,000 Women’s ODI runs, equaling Lindsay Reeler’s record by doing it in just 23 innings. Yet, in typical Pratika fashion, she wasn’t even aware of the achievement until it was pointed out during the mid-innings break. For her, the team’s fortunes always come first. “Even when conditions were challenging in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, she hung in there. She continued that form in the first two World Cup matches as well. The effort she’s put in under pressure and expectation is, to me, more significant than just reaching 1000 runs in 23 innings. Yes, that milestone is important, but the effort, especially playing her first World Cup, is top-notch,” said Chopra.
This partnership—and this win—couldn’t have come at a better time for India. After three consecutive losses, the pressure was immense. The opening stand not only set up a commanding total but also injected fresh hope and belief into the squad. Smriti Mandhana’s attacking flair perfectly complemented Pratika Rawal’s measured approach, and together, they laid a platform that the rest of the team could build on.
It’s also worth noting the broader context: India’s women’s cricket team has often struggled for consistency at the highest level, frequently overshadowed by their male counterparts and by powerhouse teams like Australia and England. But performances like this suggest a new era may be dawning—one defined by resilience, intelligence, and a partnership that thrives under pressure. The semi-finals now beckon, with India set to face Bangladesh on Sunday, October 26, in their final league phase encounter before the knockout stage kicks off on October 29.
For Pratika, the century was more than just a personal milestone—it was a statement. It proved she can deliver under the harshest spotlight, and that India can bank on her when it matters most. Her form, her mindset, and her partnership with Smriti Mandhana offer a tantalizing glimpse of what might be possible as the tournament reaches its climax.
With the semi-finals looming and momentum now firmly on their side, Indian fans have every reason to believe. As the league phase draws to a close and the knockouts approach, all eyes will be on this dynamic opening duo to see if they can deliver once more on the biggest stage. One thing’s for sure: with calmness, clarity, and a touch of genius, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have already given their country plenty to cheer about—and the best may be yet to come.
