Does Pratika Rawal Enjoy Batting with Smriti Mandhana More?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling display of teamwork, Pratika Rawal shares her experiences batting alongside Smriti Mandhana. With their record-breaking partnership, they have made headlines in the cricketing world. Can their synergy lead India to victory in upcoming matches? Discover more about their dynamic collaboration and what it means for the future of Indian cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Pratika Rawal has quickly adapted to the Indian team setup.
- The partnership with Smriti Mandhana has proven to be record-breaking.
- They have set a new benchmark for partnerships in women's ODIs.
- Rawal's confidence in the bowling attack indicates a strong team dynamic.
- India is gearing up for crucial matches ahead.
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) Team India opener Pratika Rawal has seamlessly integrated into the squad and is on a remarkable upward trajectory since her debut for the Women in Blue. She continues to demonstrate her batting prowess, notably against Australia in the first ODI on Sunday.
As Shafali Verma has been struggling to regain her form, Smriti Mandhana has found a reliable partner in Rawal, who made her debut against the West Indies in December 2024.
The duo has been delivering stellar performances for India in ODIs, recently etching their names in history by breaking the world record for the highest runs scored for any wicket by a pair in a calendar year.
In 2025, Smriti and Pratika have amassed a remarkable 958 partnership runs, surpassing the previous record held by Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley, who scored 905 runs in 2000.
Rawal shone as the top scorer for India in the ODI series opener against Australia, accumulating 64 runs off 96 balls and forming a spectacular 114-run partnership with Mandhana.
On JioHotstar, Pratika expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I enjoy batting with her more than she enjoys batting with me, so it’s always great, especially the way she plays and tackles every ball. It's just so amazing to see.”
The series opener saw India and Australia kick off their three-match series, with the visitors taking a comfortable lead at 1-0. While India’s overall performance faced scrutiny, the partnership between Mandhana and Rawal stood out as a highlight.
India’s bowling unit had previously excelled against England, significantly contributing to the team’s success as they triumphed over Nat Sciver-Brunt's side with a 2-1 victory in the ODI series and a 3-2 win in the T20I series.
However, they could not replicate that success against Australia, who clinched the series opener by nine wickets. Pratika expressed her confidence in her team’s bowlers, praising the spin attack.
“We have an amazing spin side, and the way the bowlers have been performing this year, I think it’s going to be great for us,” Rawal remarked.
India will wrap up their home series against Australia on September 20 and will launch their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign on September 30 against Sri Lanka in Guwahati.
Point of View
Pratika Rawal's rapid ascent within Team India highlights the depth of talent in women's cricket. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana not only showcases individual skill but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving collective success. As India gears up for the World Cup, the focus remains on fostering this synergy to compete at the highest level.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana break?
They broke the world record for the most runs added for any wicket by a pair in a calendar year, accumulating 958 runs in 2025.
How did Pratika perform in the first ODI against Australia?
Pratika Rawal was the top scorer for India, making 64 runs off 96 balls and forming a significant partnership with Smriti Mandhana.
What is India's next match in the series against Australia?
India will conclude their home series against Australia on September 20.
When does India's ICC Women's World Cup 2025 campaign start?
India's World Cup campaign begins on September 30, 2025, against Sri Lanka in Guwahati.
How has India's bowling attack performed recently?
India's bowling attack performed exceptionally well in the previous series against England, contributing significantly to their victories.
