In a remarkable journey that intertwines academic excellence, athletic prowess, and cricketing brilliance, Pratika Rawal has emerged as India’s promising opening batter. At just 24 years old, Pratika’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and dedication.

A graduate in psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi, Pratika secured an impressive 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations. Her achievements, however, are not limited to academics. A gold medalist in basketball at the 64th School National Games in 2019, she has also displayed her talent across multiple sports disciplines.

Pratika’s passion for cricket took root early in life. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), nurtured her budding interest in the sport. At the age of 10, she joined the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, training under the legendary coach Sharvan Kumar. Despite being the academy’s first female trainee, Pratika’s enthusiasm and determination quickly earned her respect.

“She was a natural talent, but I always pushed her to work harder,” Sharvan recalls. “Her progress over the years has been phenomenal, and watching her don the Indian jersey is a proud moment for all of us.”

Pratika balanced cricket with her studies, excelling in both fields. She transitioned from Bal Bharati School to Modern School, Barakhamba Road, on the strength of her cricketing talent. The shift proved pivotal as it provided her access to better facilities and opportunities.

By 2021, Pratika had made headlines with a stunning 161-run knock for Delhi in her debut domestic season. Over the next two years, she amassed over 950 List A runs, cementing her reputation as a formidable batter. Her ability to adapt and refine her technique under coaches like Dipti Dhyani and Dishant Yagnik played a crucial role in her development.

“Initially, Pratika’s game was heavily leg-side dominant,” Yagnik, a former Rajasthan cricketer, explained. “We worked on her grip and balance, unlocking her potential to score freely on the off-side. This transformation made her a more versatile batter.”

Her adaptability extended to leadership roles, where she captained the Delhi U-23 team to the T20 Trophy final earlier this year. As she continues to shine in domestic cricket, her performances in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy have further solidified her place in the national setup.

Off the field, Pratika’s grounded demeanor endears her to peers and coaches alike. “She’s always been a team player, putting collective goals above personal milestones,” said Dhyani, who has closely mentored her through challenging phases in her career.

Now donning the national colors, Pratika’s ODI debut against the West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium marked a new chapter in her journey. For her father, who witnessed the match in Vadodara, and coach Sharvan Kumar, the moment was deeply emotional—a culmination of years of unwavering belief and hard work.

Pratika’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she embarks on her international career, her blend of academic rigor, sporting versatility, and cricketing skill sets her apart as a role model for aspiring athletes across the nation.

Australia 291/7 (Sutherland 105, McGrath 34, Penfold 4-42, Carson 2-65) defeated New Zealand 122/5 (Kerr 38, James 27, Garth 2-17) by 65 runs (via DLS)*

Australia secured a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve, with Annabel Sutherland once again taking center stage with an unbeaten 105. The rain-hit match, which saw Australia post 291 for 7, was halted after 31 overs with New Zealand on 122 for 5, ensuring Australia’s 14th consecutive win over their trans-Tasman rivals.

The contest began with anticipation surrounding Alyssa Healy’s return to the international fold after a lengthy injury layoff. Healy, playing as a specialist batter, contributed a steady 34 off 32 balls, providing solid support at the top of the order. However, it was Sutherland’s explosive innings that truly dominated the day.

Sutherland, who had recently made an impressive 110 against India in Perth, showed her prowess in tough batting conditions. She became the first player to hit back-to-back ODI centuries from the No.5 position, guiding Australia to a challenging total. With the ball swinging in the seaming conditions, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain her. Sutherland launched two sixes in the final overs and reached her century off just 78 balls, sealing her third ODI ton with a boundary.

After a rain delay disrupted play, New Zealand found themselves needing to chase a steep target, and the early loss of key wickets left them in a difficult position. Debutant Bella James was aggressive early on, pulling Megan Schutt for a six, but her knock ended at 27 when she was caught off Kim Garth. Suzie Bates, who had presented James with her debut cap, was dismissed cheaply, leaving New Zealand at 60 for 3.

Captain Sophie Devine’s departure after edging Ellyse Perry further put New Zealand on the back foot, and although Jess Kerr and Frankie MacDonald showed resilience, the required run rate was steadily climbing. New Zealand’s hopes were dashed as the heavens opened up, signaling the end of the match with them still well short of the target.

The rain-shortened match reflected not just Australia’s superiority with the bat, but also the challenges New Zealand faced in the field. Notably, debutant James had a tough outing, dropping three catches, including one when Sutherland was on 26. Despite a spirited 4-46 from Molly Penfold, New Zealand’s fielding lapses proved costly.

For Australia, the win was a continuation of their dominant form after their 3-0 whitewash against India. New Zealand’s defeat has complicated their path to directly qualifying for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, with the team sitting precariously in sixth position on the Women’s Championship standings.

The match marked a significant milestone for Healy, who made her return after a lengthy injury layoff. Although her knock was brief, it was a welcome sight for Australia’s leadership. She has been working hard in the nets to regain form, and her boundary off Rosemary Mair’s second ball was a signal of her readiness for the challenges ahead.

The ODI series will now shift focus to the third and final match, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory as the Women’s Championship points race continues.

Day one of the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane was cut short by persistent rain, with only 13.2 overs of play possible. The Australian openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, managed a cautious start, guiding their team to 28 without loss before bad weather forced an early end to the day’s proceedings.

Khawaja, the local favorite, remained unbeaten on 19 from 47 balls, while debutant McSweeney showcased solid defense, scoring 4 off 33 deliveries. The pair demonstrated restraint against India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who struggled to exploit the overcast conditions effectively.

Despite favorable conditions, the Indian bowlers failed to mount significant pressure. Jasprit Bumrah’s six-over spell (0/8) lacked penetration, and Mohammed Siraj (0/13 in 4 overs) occasionally pitched too short, allowing the batters to leave comfortably. Akash Deep, playing his first Test, looked the most threatening, maintaining a probing off-stump line in his three overs before rain halted play.

Khawaja handled Bumrah’s deliveries with precision, minimizing risks by playing close to his body and leaving deliveries outside the off-stump. He picked up boundaries with controlled pulls off Siraj and exhibited his experience against India’s attack. McSweeney, on the other hand, focused on blunting the new ball and providing steady support.

The day’s play was interrupted twice by rain, with the second break ending hopes of further action. The weather forecast for the remaining four days suggests more disruptions, potentially leading to a start-stop contest.

For India, the limited play provided a mixed bag. While the Australians didn’t run away with the score, the Indian bowlers missed the opportunity to ask tougher questions early in the innings. The lack of swing and inconsistent lengths meant the Australian openers had relatively few challenges to overcome.

As play resumes, both teams will be keen to make the most of any dry spells. For India, tightening the bowling lines and forcing the batters to play will be crucial, while Australia will look to build on this steady start to gain a strong foothold in the match.