Top 5 highest partnerships for India in Women ODIs ft. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal

The Indian women’s team wrote history by recording their biggest win by a margin in the third and final ODI against Ireland. The Indian team had a strong performance with the bat and a determined bowling attack which proved too much for the visitors as they were bowled out for 131 runs in 31.4 overs while chasing a massive total of 435/5 put together by the Indian team. Therefore, the home side won the match by 304 runs leading to a consecutive white-wash on home soil.

A victory star steeped in history

However, the victory was not the only major historical milestone achieved by the Indian team. India’s total is the highest in the history of women’s cricket by an opening batter Smriti Mandhana put together a stellar performance with the bat to get the fastest ODI century for India in just 70 balls. The most important part of the big total is the strong partnership between the opening pair which gives the team a solid base to reach the total.

As Mandhana kept hitting the ball left, right and centre, Practice Rawal bolstered the Indian innings with an exemplary display of character to notch up his maiden ODI century. Thus, both the opening batsmen have contributed a lot in enabling the Indian team to write history.

While the partnership of the Indian opening pair is commendable on all fronts, it is not the first time that such a strong partnership has developed between two batters in the history of Indian women’s cricket.
Looking back at the incredible partnership between Mandhana and Rawal through a historical perspective, here are the 5 highest partnerships for Indian women in the ODI format.

Also read: Top 5 highest individual scores for India in Women ODIs ft. Practice Rawal

5 highest partnerships for Indian women in ODIs

5. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues (190 runs):

In the first ODI of the 2019 series against New Zealand Women in Napier, Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues put together a stellar 190-run opening partnership, propelling India to a dominant eight-wicket victory. Mandhana was in sublime form, scoring a match-winning 105 from 104 balls, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes, while Rodrigues played a composed supporting role, contributing to a remarkable 81 in 94 deliveries. Their record-breaking stand dismantled the Blackcaps bowling attack. This partnership was instrumental in India’s successful pursuit of the 193-run target, which was achieved with 17.5 overs remaining, marking a resounding start to the series.

4. Anjum Chopra and Jaya Sharma (223* runs):

In a 2005 ODI match against Pakistan Women in Karachi, Anjum Chopra and Jaya Sharma Delivered a batting masterclass with a record 223-run partnership for the third wicket. The outstanding stand from both batters was the basis of India’s impressive total, as both batters displayed exceptional skill and composure. Sharma led the charge with a thrilling 138, anchoring the innings with precision and aggression, while Chopra contributed a classy 86, complementing Sharma perfectly. The partnership not only dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack but also set the stage for a commanding victory for India. This incredible performance highlighted their synergy and strength, etching their names in the record books and cementing India’s dominance in women’s cricket.

3. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal (233 runs):

The opening pair put together a formidable 233-run partnership against Ireland Women. Mandhana’s explosive 135 off 80 balls, with 12 fours and seven sixes, marked her tenth ODI century and the fastest by an Indian woman, achieved in just 70 balls. Rawal added to his captain’s maiden ODI century, scoring 154 off 129 deliveries, including 20 fours and a six. Their stand propelled India to a commanding total of 435/5, the fourth highest in women’s ODI history.

2. Mithali Raj and Reshma Gandhi (258* runs):

In a landmark performance during the 1999 ODI against Ireland Women in Milton Keynes, Mithali Raj and Reshma Gandhi created an unbroken 258-run partnership for the first wicket, setting a world record in women’s cricket. Mithali, making her ODI debut, announced her arrival in grand style with a magnificent 114* off 146 balls, displaying impeccable technique and maturity beyond her years. Gandhi, equally impressive, played a steady hand, contributing to an unbeaten 104 off 114 deliveries. Their flawless partnership pushed India to 258/0 in 50 overs, a commanding total that underlined their dominance. This remarkable feat not only secured a massive 161-run victory but also marked a defining moment in women’s cricket, with Mithali establishing herself as a future star.

1. Punam Raut and Deepti Sharma (320 runs):

During the 2017 Women’s Quadrangular Series, Punam Raut and Deepti Sharma delivered an incredible 320-run partnership for the first wicket against Ireland Women. This stand remains the highest in the history of women’s ODI cricket. Deepti led the charge with an impressive 188 off 160 balls, the second highest individual score in women’s ODIs, with 27 boundaries and 2 sixes. Raut played a perfect anchor role, scoring a steady 109 off 116 deliveries. Their partnership powered India to a mammoth 358/3 in 50 overs, setting a daunting target. The bowlers then stepped up the batting effort, dismissing Ireland for just 109, securing a 249-run victory.

Also read: Twitter reactions: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal shine as India beat Ireland in 3rd ODI to complete series whitewash

This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket season company.