When Pratika Rawal takes a close look at Smriti Mandhana, she finds a plan of greatness

Pratika Rawal believes batting alongside Smriti Mandhan has helped her understand how to elevate her game. Since Pratik’s ODI debut in December 2024, the pair have become India’s most successful opening combination, amassing 1,980 runs in 28 matches.

Their contrasting styles made them a formidable pair, with Mandhana’s fluid move game complementing Prati’s composure and growing attacking instincts. While Mandhana sets the pace with her ability to dominate bowling attacks, Pratika has shown a growing willingness to take the initiative, making their partnership a key strength in the Indian batting line-up.

“When you see Smriti batting at the other end, you feel like you have a lot to learn and you feel like what if I start doing the same? So I’m just trying to replicate what she does when she’s at her best. Hopefully I can get there as well,” Pratika said on the eve of the third ODI against Zimbabwe.

Well written touches of class by Captain Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Update #TeamIndia | #INDvWIN | @mflone_ | @mandhana_smriti | @RawalPratika BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 23, 2026

MORE BOUNDARIES IN POWERPLAY

Pratika is in excellent form against Zimbabwe to start the three-match ODI series with an unbeaten 100 off 96 balls in the opening matchwhich India won by nine wickets. She followed that up with a composed 61 off 67 deliveries in the second ODI, helping India post 328 for six in an impressive 121-run victory. With 161 runs from two innings, she has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the series.

Her performances reflected a conscious effort to become more aggressive in the powerplay in ODIs. With only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle in the first 10 overs, Pratika worked to find more boundaries and make better use of the fielding restrictions.

“The more matches I’ve played over the years, the better I understand the game. So it’s basically adapting that game, adapting my bat and adapting how the bowlers approach me. Yeah, to be fair, I’ve also worked on being able to find more boundaries in the power bowl because there’s only two fielders out there, so you can actually get an advantage by being able to hit.

The partnership of Mandhana and Pratika also rewrote the Indian ODI record books. During the first match against Zimbabwe, their opening stand of 94 runs took them past Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur’s previous record for most runs by an Indian pair in women’s ODIs.

India have won all five of their home matches against Zimbabwe in the ongoing T20I and ODI series. With the ODI series already secured, Mandhan’s side will look to complete a clean sweep when the teams meet in the third and final ODI on Wednesday.

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