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India’s commanding nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Women’s ODI tri-series did more than just boost team morale—it became the springboard for several players to soar in the latest ICC Women’s ODI rankings. At the heart of this resurgence is Pratika Rawal, a 24-year-old opener whose consistency and poise have not only earned her accolades but also a place among the top 50 ODI batters in the world. Rawal’s unbeaten 50 in that match, followed by a solid 78 against South Africa, marked a defining week in her career. With a remarkable streak of five consecutive ODI fifties and a record for being the fastest Indian woman to 500 ODI runs, Rawal has arrived—loud and clear—on the international stage.
Harleen Deol, another promising Indian talent, also capitalized on her opportunities. Her calm, unbeaten 48 helped secure India’s comfortable chase and nudged her to a personal best 49th in the ODI rankings. These performances not only underscore the depth of India’s batting order but also hint at a new era for Indian women’s cricket where youth and consistency are beginning to converge with increasing frequency.
Pratika Rawal’s rapid rise and record-breaking rhythm
There’s something magnetic about watching a player in peak form, and Rawal is living proof of that. Her recent outings in the ongoing tri-series have not just been impactful—they’ve been historic. reaching 500 ODI runs faster than any Indian woman before her, Rawal has blended aggression with elegance, making her a fixture at the top of India’s order.
This consistency has not gone unnoticed by the cricketing world. Rawal’s leap to 47th in the ICC ODI rankings is a testament to both her current form and her potential to climb even higher. It’s rare for a young player to show such rhythm over a sustained period, especially in the high-stakes environment of international cricket. For India, she’s becoming more than a reliable starter—she’s becoming the foundation upon which innings are built. With each innings, she solidifies her claim as one of India’s future batting mainstays.
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India’s emerging stars and global shifts
While Rawal’s star is undoubtedly rising, she’s not ascending alone. Deol’s steady performances reflect a newfound maturity in India’s middle order. Her rise to 49th place in the rankings confirms that she’s coming into her own, offering solidity and composure alongside the flair of her teammates.
On the bowling front, Sneh Rana’s return after 18 months was marked by an immediate impact. Her three-wicket haul not only dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle order but also earned her a re-entry into the rankings at 57th—a reminder of her value to the squad in the spin department. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka found glimmers of hope in Hasini Perera and Inoka Ranaweera, who both improved their positions after fighting displays.
As the ICC Women’s ODI Rankings take shape post-series, it’s evident that Indian players are not just participating—they’re reshaping the hierarchy. While England’s Sophie Ecclestone still reigns supreme as the top-ranked ODI bowler, the presence of emerging Indian players on the charts signals a shift in global power dynamics. The tri-series has become more than a preparatory tournament; it has become the stage for India’s rising generation to announce themselves to the world.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
