Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have once again set the cricketing arena ablaze!
This Indian opening pair Smriti Mandhana & Pratika Rawal has now become just the third in the history of the country to register more than 1,000 runs jointly in One Day Internationals (ODIs). And what’s more special? They did this in just 12 innings—the quickest by any Indian opening combination.
Dominating Start Against England
In their third ODI match against England, Mandhana and Rawal once again put up a good show. Mandhana was out on 28 off 24 deliveries, but their explosive beginning gave their swelling statistics more strength. The duo came close to achieving their 10th half-century partnership by just a run.
The show, however, was good enough to send their name into the record books.
Fastest Indian Pair to Score 1,000 Runs
With more than 1,000 opening stands from as few as 12 innings, they’ve raised the bar for women’s cricket. Their partnership average of 84.6 is now the best among any Indian opening combination in women’s ODIs. This reliability speaks not just of skill but of profound understanding between the two batswomen.
These partnerships have provided India with solid and powerful starts something every team wants in contemporary cricket.
Rawal’s Rapid Rise in World Cricket
India’s young left-hander sensation Pratika Rawal has made a strong impact in her inaugural year of international cricket. In only 11 ODIs, she has piled up more than 630 runs at a rate of over 60. Her aggressive style and calmness at the crease make her an ideal complement to Smriti Mandhana.
Meanwhile, Mandhana remains India’s premier, elegant top-order batter with over 4,400 ODI runs under her belt.
What Makes This Pair So Special?
Here’s why this combination clicks:
Consistency: They give solid starts match after match.
Explosiveness: Both are capable of shifting gears at the drop of a hat—attacking when needed.
Understanding: Their wicket keeping between overs and trust for each other are world-class.
Momentum Setters: Their innings set the tone for the rest of the batting order.
Cheers from Fans and Experts
Social media was filled with appreciation after their stand against England. Cricket pundits referred to it as “a masterclass in opening partnership,” and fans welcomed their milestones as historic occasions in Indian women’s cricket.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal are not only an opening combination—they’re a force to be reckoned with. Together, they have rewritten history and have set expectations higher. The journey has just started, and the cricket world is abuzz.
