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Key Points

India's opening pair of Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana have made history by breaking the world record for most partnership runs in a calendar year. The duo accumulated 958 runs in 2025, surpassing the previous record set by Australian legends Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley in 2000. Their remarkable chemistry was on full display during the recent ODI against Australia where they put together a 114-run partnership. This record-breaking performance comes as India prepares for their ICC Women's World Cup campaign starting later this month.

Key Points: Pratika Rawal Smriti Mandhana Break World Record Partnership Runs

  • Rawal and Mandhana broke the 25-year ODI partnership record with 958 runs
  • Their 114-run stand against Australia showcased their batting chemistry
  • The duo surpassed Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley's 905-run record
  • Rawal scored 64 runs as top scorer in series opener against Australia
2 min read

'I enjoy batting with her more than she enjoys batting with me', says Pratika Rawal on her partnerships with Mandhana

India's opening duo of Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana break 25-year ODI partnership record with 958 runs in 2025, surpassing Clark and Keightley's milestone.

"I enjoy batting with her more than she enjoys batting with me - Pratika Rawal"

New Delhi, Sep 16

Team India opener Pratika Rawal has adapted to the team setup very well and quickly. She has been making progress ever since her debut for the Women in Blue, and continued to showcase her batting form against Australia in the first ODI on Sunday.

With Shafali Verma struggling to find her mojo, Smriti Mandhana found herself a capable partner in Rawal when the 25-year-old made her debut against the West Indies in December 2024.

The duo has been delivering impressive performances for India in ODIs, with their recent notable partnership coming against Australia, where the duo entered their name in the history books by breaking the world record of adding the most runs for any wicket by any pair in a calendar year.

In 2025, Smriti and Pratika have 958 partnership runs. They broke Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley’s record, who added 905 runs in 2000.

Rawal was the top scorer for India in the ODI series opener against Australia on Sunday. She scored 64 runs off 96 balls and shared a brilliant 114-run stand with Mandhana.

Speaking about the same on JioHotstar, Pratika said, “I enjoy batting with her more than she enjoys batting with me, so it’s always great, especially the way she plays and takes on every ball. It's just so amazing to see.”

India and Australia kicked off their three-match series with the visitors securing an easy win to take a 1-0 lead. While India’s overall performance was questioned, Mandhana and Rawal’s opening partnership stood out.

India’s bowling attack performed exceptionally well against England in their previous series. The bowlers played a crucial role during the team’s campaign as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side defeated Nat Sciver-Brunt and her team 2-1 in the ODI series and 3-2 in the T20I series.

However, they failed to replicate their performance against Australia, as the visiting side won the series opener by nine wickets. Pratika exuded confidence in her team’s bowlers and spoke highly about the spin attack.

“We have an amazing spin side, and the way the bowlers have been bowling this year, I think it’s going to be great for us,” Rawal stated.

India will conclude their home series against Australia on September 20 and kick-start their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign on September 30 against Sri Lanka in Guwahati.

-- IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Love the humility from Pratika! Saying she enjoys batting with Smriti more shows great team spirit. These two complement each other so well - one aggressive, one steady.
A
Aryan P
While the batting partnership is impressive, our bowling needs to step up. Can't win matches with just good opening stands. Hope they bounce back in the next game!
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Sarah B
Breaking a 25-year-old world record is incredible! These women are inspiring so many young girls across India to take up cricket. Future looks bright for women's cricket! ✨
Kavya N
Pratika's technique is so solid. She's been a revelation since her debut. Hope she continues this form into the World Cup next month!
M
Michael C
The chemistry between these two is amazing to watch. When opening partners understand each other's game this well, it shows in the runs they score together. Great stuff!

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