Thu Jan 16 06:02:39 UTC 2025: ## Rawal Blasts Century as India Piles on Record ODI Total Against Ireland
**Rajkot, India –** Indian women’s cricket team opener Pratika Rawal smashed her maiden international century, a stunning 154 off 129 balls, in the final ODI against Ireland. This remarkable performance, in just her sixth ODI appearance, propelled India to a record-breaking 435/5, the highest ever ODI total for the country. Rawal’s innings, which included a rapid acceleration after reaching her hundred, was instrumental in the dominant victory alongside stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, who also scored a magnificent 135.
The 23-year-old Rawal, a Delhi native, is a multi-talented athlete who excelled in basketball before focusing on cricket. A high-achieving student, she secured 92.5% in her CBSE board exams and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Rawal’s cricketing journey includes playing for Delhi (2021-2024) and currently representing Railways. Her international debut against the West Indies saw promising performances with both bat and ball, including a 40-run contribution and her first ODI wicket.
After her century, Rawal highlighted the importance of her love for both cricket and psychology in her success, emphasizing how her academic pursuits have aided her focus and performance in the highly competitive world of international cricket.
First Piper 