Inside the Mind: Smriti Mandhana and the Art of Strategic Partnerships in Women’s World Cup 2025

In less than a year, India openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have established a formidable partnership at the top of the order. On Thursday, their exceptional batting was again evident as they laid the groundwork for India’s semifinal qualification in the Women’s World Cup, achieving a record 212-run partnership—the highest for India in the tournament’s history.

Vice-captain Mandhana and Rawal dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack, each hitting impressive centuries and leading India to a 53-run victory (DLS Method) in a rain-affected match. This marked their seventh century stand and fifth in 2025 since teaming up in December last year; together, they have amassed 1,799 runs in 23 innings.

Mandhana scored 105 off 95 balls, while Rawal added 122 from 134 balls, propelling India to a formidable 340/3—the highest total by any team in this World Cup, securing their spot in the semifinals.

Rawal attributed their successful partnership to mutual understanding: “Our conversations are straightforward. She allows me to play my game, and I do the same for her,” she explained post-match. The two focus on strategic calculations—deciding the target score or breaking down a chase to make it manageable. Rawal, now joint-fastest with Australia’s Lindsay Reeler to reach 1,000 ODI runs in 23 innings, emphasized the simplicity of their collaboration.

The duo received significant support from Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a rapid 76 not out off 55 balls on her home ground, significantly boosting India’s total. “She played phenomenally,” said Rawal, praising Rodrigues for her crucial contribution.

Rawal admitted to initial struggles in her innings but maintained composure, which allowed her to overcome early challenges. She mentioned ongoing discussions with coaches to refine her role and strike rates, aiming to best contribute to the team’s success.

Despite losing three consecutive World Cup matches, Rawal insisted there was no lack of effort from the team. “We believed we could win at any moment, and with players like Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur stepping up in earlier games, it was only a matter of time before we clinched a win,” she remarked.

Rawal also reassured that wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh’s finger injury, incurred during the game, was not serious, adding, “Richa is doing fine now.”

Published on October 24, 2025.