Indian women’s cricket sensation Pratika Rawal showcased incredible skill and determination, carving her name into the record books during the third ODI against Ireland in Rajkot on January 15. The 22-year-old psychology student smashed an outstanding 154 runs, becoming the third-highest individual scorer for Indian women in ODIs.
Rawal’s remarkable run tally of 444 runs in her first six ODI innings has set a new record in international cricket, surpassing both men’s and women’s milestones. She eclipsed the previous mark of 392 runs, held by Netherlands’ Tom Cooper.
Born on September 1, 2000, in Delhi, Pratika comes from a family deeply connected to cricket. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, is a certified Level-II umpire affiliated with the BCCI and the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Pratika’s journey in international cricket began at home with her debut in an ODI series against the West Indies Women.
An alumna of Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, Pratika excelled both in academics and sports. She achieved an impressive 92.5% in her Class X exams before pursuing a degree in psychology at Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University. This prestigious institution has a history of nurturing top athletes, including tennis player Ankita Bhambri, Olympic shooter Shagun Choudhary, and JUDO pioneer Sangeeta Mehta. The college also boasts notable alumni from Bollywood, such as Neha Dhupia, Rakul Preet Singh, and former Miss India International Ankita Shorey.
Pratika began her domestic cricket career with the Delhi team, playing from 2021 to 2024, before moving to Railways, where she continues to shine. In her debut match, she scored 40 runs and contributed to a crucial 110-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana. Against Ireland, the duo partnered again, putting together an impressive 233-run stand for the opening wicket, India’s third-highest opening partnership in women’s ODIs and the best on home soil.
India set a mammoth total of 435 for five, breaking their previous record of 370 runs achieved earlier in the series. On the other hand, Ireland’s women struggled, managing only 131 runs, leading to India’s largest victory in women’s ODI history—a massive 304-run margin.
