Pratika Rawal’s Century vs New Zealand Ignites India’s World Cup Dream in Navi Mumbai
Pratika Rawal’s Historic Century Lights Up Navi Mumbai in Women’s World Cup Clash
In a moment that will be etched in Indian cricket history, Pratika Rawal delivered a stunning century against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at Navi Mumbai. Her composed knock not only anchored India’s innings but also helped her equal a world record — becoming the joint-fastest woman to reach 1000 ODI runs.
The 25-year-old opener reached the milestone in just 23 innings, matching Australia’s Lindsay Reeler. Rawal’s hundred came off 122 balls and included 13 boundaries, showcasing her ability to build an innings under pressure.
Rawal Silences Critics with Calm and Calculated Batting
Coming into the match, Rawal faced criticism for her strike rate, which ranked second-lowest among the top 10 run-scorers in the tournament. However, India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar stood firmly behind her, stating that the team believed in her ability to deliver when it mattered most
Rawal responded with grace and grit. She started cautiously, respecting the disciplined bowling attack of the White Ferns. Yet, she gradually shifted gears, finding gaps and rotating strike effectively. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana proved pivotal.
India vs New Zealand: Record-Breaking Opening Stand
India’s innings began slowly, but Rawal and Mandhana soon found rhythm. The duo stitched together a 212-run opening stand — India’s highest in the tournament so far. Mandhana played the aggressor, while Rawal anchored the innings with poise.
Rawal’s quick thinking also helped Mandhana secure her 14th ODI century. When Mandhana hesitated to review an LBW decision, Rawal urged her to go upstairs. The decision was overturned, and Mandhana went on to score a match-defining ton
Pratika Rawal’s Rise in Women’s ODI Cricket
This was Rawal’s second ODI century, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With India eyeing a semi-final spot, her performance gave the team a solid foundation. After Mandhana’s dismissal, Rawal took charge, accelerating the scoring rate and reaching her hundred with a single.
She was eventually dismissed for 122 off 134 balls, but her innings had already set the tone for India’s dominance. Her ability to adapt, absorb pressure, and deliver in crunch moments marks her as one of India’s rising stars.
📊 Fastest to 1000 Runs in Women’s ODIs (By Innings)
| Player | Country | Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Lindsay Reeler | Australia | 23 |
| Pratika Rawal | India | 23 |
| Meg Lanning | Australia | 25 |
| Nicole Bolton | Australia | 25 |
| Belinda Clark | Australia | 27 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | South Africa | 27 |
Sources: India Today | MSN India Today International Cricket Council
🌍 Geo-Specific Impact: Navi Mumbai Crowd Witnesses History
The atmosphere at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium was electric. Fans from across Maharashtra, including Pune, Thane, and Nagpur, had gathered to witness the clash. Rawal’s century brought the crowd to its feet, with chants echoing across the stands.
Her wave to the crowd after reaching the milestone was met with thunderous applause. For many, it was a moment of pride — watching a young Indian woman cricketer match a world record on home soil.
Social Media Buzz: Rawal Trends Nationwide
Within minutes of her century, #PratikaRawal and #INDvsNZ were trending across platforms. Cricket legends, analysts, and fans praised her temperament and timing. Memes, highlight reels, and tribute posts flooded Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Her story — from criticism to record-breaking glory — resonated with millions. It’s a narrative of resilience, belief, and performance under pressure.
🔗 External Sources
- India Today: Rawal equals world record with century India Today
- Indian Express: Rawal and Mandhana dominate New Zealand The Indian Express
- ICC Live: India vs NZ scorecard and updates International Cricket Council
