At a defining moment in his young career, Pratika Rawal produced a sensational young woman ICC Women’s World Cup Putting India in a strong position by scoring a century against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Pratika Rawal silenced the critics by playing record breaking innings
Raval, who has faced intense scrutiny over the past few weeks, responded to the critics in style with a composed but aggressive innings that showcased her mental strength and batting talent.
The 21-year-old opening batsman reached her milestone in the 39th over, hitting a well-timed shot behind point off Rosemary Mair to complete her maiden World Cup century – and only the second ODI of her career. The crowd applauded as the young batsman lifted his bat, acknowledged the support and later hit a sky-scraping six over midwicket to underline his dominance.
After reaching his century, Raval showed no signs of slowing down. She charged down the track against Amelia Kerr in the 43rd over and smashed another six over the bowler’s head – a shot that perfectly expressed her intent to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, her aggressive tendencies ultimately led to her downfall as she tried to repeat the same stroke and dismissed substitute fielder Hannah Rowe, who took a brilliant diving catch.
Rawal stood up and applauded and went back. Scored 102 runs on 112 ballsDecorated with 13 fours and 2 sixes. This innings not only put India in a strong position but also marked a turning point in his international career, silencing critics who had questioned his place in the team.
Fans gathered behind Pratika Rawal
Rawal’s path to this century has not been easy. The talented right-hander had faced severe criticism for his inconsistent performances earlier in the tournament. Some sections of social media also targeted him with baseless nepotism claims, alleging that he benefited from his father’s role as an umpire.
However, his brilliant performance against New Zealand brought about a complete change in public sentiment. Fans flooded social media platforms with messages of praise and appreciation for the young star.
A big achievement for Pratika Rawal.
– Pratika Raval’s brilliant century against New Zealand in an important match of the Women’s World Cup is a winning milestone, it is her first World Cup century.#प्रतिकारवाल #CWC25 #INDWvsNZW #smritimandhana #INDvNZ #womensworldcup2025 pic.twitter.com/I1hlooRKtD
-Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) 23 October 2025
Amazing talent Pratika Raval, her batting is such a joy to watch.. looks purely aesthetic!
And what to say about Smriti, the queen!#INDvNZ #INDWvNZW #CWC25– Harsh Tegta (@iamharshtegta) 23 October 2025
📸 Pratika Raval – First World Cup century!
📝 122 runs on 134 balls
💥 13 fours, 2 sixes
🔥 Part of 212 run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana
🏏First World Cup century
🌟 Fastest 1000 Women’s ODI runs (122 balls)#INDvNZW #WWC2025 #Pratika Rawal #WomenInCricket #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/PnSZrktCGO– Arun Alistair (@ArunAlistair) 23 October 2025
🙂
Record-breaking first World Cup century for Pratika Raval keeps 🇮🇳 in command.
So much to remember!#playbold #নমমRCB #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/0NKaoePLT5
– Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) 23 October 2025
The feeling of that first World Cup century 😊
📸 📸 Pratika Raval scored her first century in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 💯👏
Update ▶ https://t.co/AuCzj0X11B#TeamIndia , #WomenInBlue , #INDvNZ , #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/DkrZwlwXuu
– BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) 23 October 2025
Pratika Raval scored her first World Cup century and the second century of her career. This is the third time in the history of women’s cricket, when both the opening batsmen of a team have scored centuries.#WomensWorldCup2025 #IndWvsNZ#Pratika Rawal pic.twitter.com/jd0VxJbiOt
– SilverEye (@_Break_Free___) 23 October 2025
Pratika Raval – Women’s World Cup 2025 Form
Last 5 matches:
122 vs New Zealand 🌟First World Cup century!
37 vs England
31 vs australia
37 vs sa
75 vs pak motivA reliable opening batsman for India, anchoring the top order! #WWC2025 #INDvNZW #Pratika Rawal #WomenInCricket pic.twitter.com/j1Ii2LjOwP
– Arun Alistair (@ArunAlistair) 23 October 2025
Remember the unnecessary and unnecessary abuses that Prateik Rawal received? Today he scored a century against New Zealand. well deserved!
– Gargi Raut (@gargiraut15) 23 October 2025
Has faced a lot of (rightful) criticism, but kudos to Pratika Rawal! Great knock. The only thing one can do is to learn and progress. Onward and upward 🙌🏽
-Date! Laskar 🎃👻 (@tarequelaskar) 23 October 2025
Pratika Raval’s first World Cup century 🙌💯#women #Cricket #प्रतिकारवाल #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/JoNNJgpWXQ
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 23 October 2025
Top innings of Pratika Raval 👏#women #Cricket #प्रतिकारवाल #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/kcBOEqzHb9
– WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) 23 October 2025
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
