3 of the recently concluded Women's ODI in the middle India (IND-W) and Ireland (IRE-W) at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, saw a historic performance from the home team. India went on to post their highest ever ODI innings, breaking both men's and women's records.
Pratika Rawal's impressive knock sets Rajkot alight
Incidentally, India's big score (435/5 in 50 overs) was largely due to the opener's impressive innings. Pratika Rawalwho won his maiden international, scored 154 runs from 129 balls. His innings was full of 20 fours and 1 six, showing his control and versatility at the crease. Rawal was part of a 233-run opening partnership with the stand-in captain Smriti Mandhanawho scored 135 runs in just 80 matches, including the fastest ODI run by an Indian woman, off 70 balls.
A record breaking job
The partnership between Mandhana and Rawal not only set the tone for the match but also broke records, becoming India's third opener in women's ODIs. After Mandhana's departure, Richa Ghosh contributed with a quick 59 off 42 balls, advancing India's scoring. This performance meant that India surpassed 400 runs for the first time in ODIs, becoming only the third team after New Zealand and Australia to do so in women's cricket.
Further, Pratika also registered herself in the record books following her stunning knock as it became one of India's highest innings in the history of Women's cricket when it comes to 50-overs. On this note, let's take a look at some of the greatest achievements of Indian players in Women's ODIs.
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India's top 5 wickets in Women ODIs ft. Pratika Rawal
5) Jaya Sharma – 138 vs Pakistan (2005)
Jaya SharmaThe 138 not out against Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup in Karachi was a defining moment in the early days of women's cricket in India. Her innings was a flash of skill and determination, coming at a time when women's cricket was still a global phenomenon. Jaya's knock helped create a huge attack for India, leading to a 193-run victory. This performance not only showcased her talent but also highlighted the potential of Indian women's cricket to compete globally.
4) Harmanpreet Kaur – 143 vs England (2022)
Harmanpreet Kaur he showed his temper in a match-winning 143 against England at Canterbury. His innings was a masterpiece, combining smart touches and powerful shots, helping India reach 333/5. Harmanpreet's win was crucial in setting the odds, leading to India's 88-run win. The match also cemented her reputation as one of the most dominant players in women's cricket, capable of leading her team to victory against the odds.
3) Pratika Rawal – 154 vs Ireland (2025)
In the third ODI against Ireland in Rajkot, Pratika announced her international debut with a world-class 154 off 129 balls. Her innings was part of an innings in which India posted their highest ever ODI total of 435/5. Rawal's knock was a combination of grace and brutality, with 20 and 1 six, and was crucial in establishing the innings along with Mandhana. This performance not only showcased his batting skills but also his ability to play in the open, earning him 'Player of the Match' and 'Player of the Series' accolades.
2) Harmanpreet Kaur – 171 vs Australia (2017)
Harmanpreet's unbeaten 171 in the semi-final of the Women's World Cup in Derby has gone down in cricket history. Facing a strong Australian side, his innings was a masterstroke of power and composure. Harman's knock included 20 fours and 7 sixes, off just 115 balls. His performance changed the course of the game, taking India from a difficult position to chase down a daunting target of 282, securing the final berth. This innings is often referred to as the best in the history of women's cricket because of its innings.
1) Deepti Sharma – 188 vs Ireland (2017)
Number one on the list is Deepti Sharmathe record-breaking 188 has set the benchmark for Indian women's cricket in ODIs. Playing in the Women's Quadrangular Series in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Deepti put on an exemplary display of batting, scoring 160 balls with 27 fours and 2 sixes. His innings was not just about runs but the way they were scored, with quick timing and aggressive bowling. This big score helped India post a huge total of 358/2, which led to a huge victory and underlined Deepti's potential as a match-winner from ball to ball.
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This article was originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.