With a seamless blend of flair and focus, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have emerged as the most formidable opening pair in women’s cricket, rewriting record books and leading India’s resurgence in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Our Bureau
Navi Mumbai
When Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal walked out to open against New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. India, coming off three consecutive defeats, needed not just runs but reassurance. What followed was a batting masterclass that not only restored faith but also reaffirmed the duo’s place among the greatest opening pairs in women’s cricket history. Their 212-run partnership — India’s best opening stand of the tournament — set the tone for a commanding 53-run win (DLS method) that sealed India’s semi-final berth in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The Perfect Partnership
Smriti Mandhana’s elegant strokeplay and Pratika Rawal’s fearless aggression have made them the perfect foil for each other — yin and yang at the top of the order. Together, they’ve transformed India’s batting approach, combining experience with youthful audacity.
Speaking after the New Zealand match, Rawal offered a glimpse into their on-field chemistry. “The conversations are pretty simple,” she said. “She lets me do what I do best, and I don’t interfere in what she does best. Most of our chats are about calculations — how to build a total or chase in smaller parts. Smriti is great with numbers, and I just chip in where I can. We keep it simple, and that works for us.”
That simplicity has yielded staggering results. Their stand of 212 runs against the White Ferns was not only India’s highest in the World Cup but also the first time both Indian openers scored centuries in a World Cup match. Mandhana struck a fluent 109, while Rawal’s composed 122 showcased her maturity beyond her 25 years.
Records That Speak Volumes
The numbers tell a story of consistency and chemistry. The pair now holds seven century stands in just 23 ODI innings — matching the elite Australian duo of Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy, as well as South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt. The all-time leaders remain Australia’s Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley, with 10 stands from 66 innings, but Mandhana and Rawal’s strike rate of success suggests they could soon overtake them.
In 2025 alone, they have five-century partnerships across formats — equalling Clark and Keightley’s all-wicket record from 2000. Their ability to adapt to match situations — from anchoring in early overs to accelerating ruthlessly in the middle — has given India the stability it long lacked at the top.
Mandhana’s milestone-laden year has been equally spectacular. With her latest hundred, she joined Australia’s Meg Lanning for the most centuries in women’s international cricket (17) and surpassed Lizelle Lee’s record for most sixes in a calendar year (29). She also became the first Indian woman to register three consecutive 50-plus scores in ODI World Cups since Harmanpreet Kaur in 2017.
Rawal, meanwhile, has been rewriting records of her own. Her century against New Zealand made her the joint-fastest batter in women’s ODI history to reach 1,000 runs — accomplishing the feat in just 23 innings. With 1,123 runs at an average above 50, she has already cemented her place among India’s top emerging batters.
At 29, Smriti Mandhana continues to lead by example. Her batting combines classical grace with modern aggression, but what truly stands out is her ability to guide younger teammates. As India’s vice-captain, she’s not just a run-machine but also a mentor, shaping the next generation.
Her composure under pressure, her ability to shift gears seamlessly, and her growing stature as a leader have made her the heartbeat of India’s batting unit. “Smriti is a phenomenal thinker,” said one team analyst. “She plans overs ahead, understands match situations, and communicates that clarity to her partner. It’s like watching a chess player in motion.”
Pratika Rawal’s rise has been equally inspiring. In just two years on the international circuit, she’s shown maturity that belies her age. Her aggressive yet calculated approach has drawn comparisons to the likes of Australia’s Alyssa Healy, and her ability to handle pressure has made her indispensable in crunch games.
“The support I get from my teammates and coaches allows me to express myself freely,” she said. “I didn’t even realize I hit 1,000 runs until after the match. For me, it’s about winning games, not milestones.”
Legacy in the Making
As India heads into the semi-finals, the spotlight will inevitably return to its openers. Their form and confidence could well decide whether India finally ends its long wait for a Women’s World Cup title.
For now, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have already achieved something far greater than records — they’ve redefined how India begins its innings. Their partnership, built on trust, communication, and shared ambition, is not just winning matches; it’s reshaping the story of Indian women’s cricket itself.
