Indian women’s cricket opener Pratika Rawal delivered a stellar performance in the third and final ODI against Ireland in Rajkot. Playing her sixth ODI, Rawal scored her maiden international century with an impressive 154 off 129 balls. She reached her hundred at a run-a-ball pace and accelerated brilliantly as the innings progressed. Partnering with stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, who contributed a remarkable 135, Rawal played a key role in helping India post a record-breaking total of 435/5 — their highest ever in the 50-over format.
Early Life & Background
Pratika Rawal, born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, showed a natural flair for sports from a young age. While cricket eventually became her calling, she initially excelled in basketball. As a student at Bal Bharati School, Rajender Nagar, she played a pivotal role in leading the school’s basketball team to a gold medal at the 64th National School Games held in Delhi in January 2019.
Education and Academic Excellence
Pratika Rawal completed her schooling at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, where she consistently excelled academically, securing top grades every year without interruption. She achieved an impressive 92.5% in her CBSE board exams. Following her schooling, Pratika decided to pursue her true passion and chose to study Psychology, enrolling in the Bachelor’s program at Jesus & Mary College, New Delhi.
The Rising Star in Cricket
Pratika Rawal began her cricket journey under the guidance of Coach Sharvan Kumar at the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy. Between 2021 and 2024, she represented Delhi before joining the Railways, where her impressive performances continue to stand out. Pratika made her international debut in a series against the West Indies, leaving an immediate impact with her all-around skills. In her debut match, she scored 40 runs and built a crucial 110-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana. She also made her mark with the ball, claiming her first ODI wicket by dismissing West Indies captain Hayley Matthews.
Mental Strength Behind the Success
Following her maiden century, Pratika Rawal attributed her success to her dual passion for cricket and psychology. She highlighted how her knowledge of psychology has played a crucial role in keeping her mentally strong and focused, enabling her to navigate the challenges of competitive cricket and achieve her dream of representing the Indian national team.
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