On October 23, 2025, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana registered stunning centuries against New Zealand to bring a struggling ODI World Cup campaign back on track in Navi Mumbai.
Chasing a meagre 198, Smriti and Pratika’s 94-run opening stand reduced Zimbabwe to a herd of deer in the headlights. 3 for only the second time in the format, didn’t disappoint. Her 106-run unbroken partnership with Pratika sealed the contest with 137 balls to spare, getting India off to a winning start in the ICC Championship.
Zimbabwe avoided a collective slow roast under the scorching sun and India’s big-hitting prowess by opting to bat first, but struggled to get going on the red-soil pitch. The home team’s tight lines and smart use of early swing condemned the visitor to a nervy crawl. Also useful for the away side were a few blips in the field and the occasional width given, especially by Deepti Sharma and debutant Jintimani Kalita. N. Shree Charani, however, punctuated any audacity shown with a miserly effort and four wickets to record her best figures in the format. Olinder Chare dismissed Smriti in the 16th over, but Shafali, batting at No.