Fans react as Pratika Rawal smashes maiden World Cup century for India against New Zealand

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In a defining moment of her young career, Pratika Rawal produced a sensational maiden ICC Women’s World Cup century to steer India to a commanding position against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

Rawal, who has faced intense scrutiny over the past few weeks, responded to critics in emphatic fashion with a composed yet aggressive innings that showcased her mental strength and batting brilliance.

The 21-year-old opener reached her milestone in the 39th over, guiding a well-timed shot behind point off Rosemary Mair to bring up her first World Cup hundred – and only the second ODI century of her career. The crowd erupted in applause as the young batter raised her bat, acknowledging the support before smashing a towering six over midwicket moments later to underline her dominance.

After reaching her century, Rawal showed no signs of slowing down. She charged down the track against Amelia Kerr in the 43rd over, launching another six straight over the bowler’s head – a shot that perfectly summed up her intent to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, her attacking instincts ultimately led to her downfall as she tried to replicate the same stroke and ended up holing out to substitute fielder Hannah Rowe, who took a spectacular diving catch.

Rawal walked back to a standing ovation, having scored 102 runs off 112 balls, laced with 13 fours and 2 sixes. The innings not only put India in a strong position but also marked a turning point in her international career, silencing critics who had questioned her place in the side.

Rawal’s road to this century hasn’t been easy. The talented right-hander had faced harsh criticism earlier in the tournament for her inconsistent performances. Some sections of social media even targeted her with unfounded nepotism claims, alleging she benefited from her father’s role as an umpire.

However, her stellar performance against New Zealand triggered a complete turnaround in public sentiment. Fans flooded social media platforms with messages of praise and admiration for the young star.

Also READ: Women’s World Cup 2025 – Fans celebrate as Smriti Mandhana breaks multiple records with her century against New Zealand

A monumental achievement for Pratika Rawal. 💯

– Pratika Rawal's outstanding Hundred against New Zealand in a crucial Women's World Cup match marks a triumphant milestone, her first World Cup hundred.#pratikarawal #CWC25 #INDWvsNZW #smritimandhana #INDvNZ #womensworldcup2025

— Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) October 23, 2025

Wott amazing talent Pratika Rawal, so much pleasing to watch her bat.. looks purely aesthetic !And Smriti, wott to say about the Queen herself !#INDvNZ #INDWvNZW #CWC25

— Harsh Tegta (@iamharshtegta) October 23, 2025

📸 Pratika Rawal – Maiden World Cup Century!

📝 122 runs off 134 balls💥 13 fours, 2 sixes🔥 Part of a 212-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana🏏 Maiden World Cup century🌟 Fastest to 1000 WODI runs (122 balls)#INDvNZW #WWC2025 #PratikaRawal #WomenInCricket #TeamIndia

— Arun Alistair (@ArunAlistair) October 23, 2025

𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲, 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗸. ✊

A record-breaking maiden World Cup century for Pratika Rawal puts 🇮🇳 in command.

A ton to remember! 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #CWC25

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) October 23, 2025

That maiden World Cup hundred feeling 😊

📸 📸 Pratika Rawal brings up her first-ever century in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups 💯👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/AuCzj0X11B#TeamIndia | #WomenInBlue | #INDvNZ | #CWC25

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 23, 2025

Pratika Rawal scores her first World Cup hundred and the second in her career. This is the third time in the history of women cricket, both the openers of a team scoring a hundred each#WomensWorldCup2025 #IndWvsNZ#PratikaRawal

— Silvereye (@_Break_Free___) October 23, 2025

Pratika Rawal – Women’s World Cup 2025 Form

Last 5 matches:122 vs NZ 🌟 Maiden WC century!37 vs ENG31 vs AUS37 vs SA75 vs PAK 💪

A reliable opener for India, anchoring the top order! 🏏 #WWC2025 #INDvNZW #PratikaRawal #WomenInCricket

— Arun Alistair (@ArunAlistair) October 23, 2025

Remember the unprompted and unnecessary abuse Pratika Rawal got? Today she scores a hundred against New Zealand. Well deserved!

— Gargi Raut (@gargiraut15) October 23, 2025

Has copped a lot of (rightful) criticism but take a bow Pratika Rawal! Superb knock. The only thing one can do is learn and progress. Onwards and upwards 🙌🏽

— tarEEK! laSCARE 🎃👻 (@tarequelaskar) October 23, 2025

Maiden World Cup hundred for Pratika Rawal 🙌💯#women #cricket #pratikarawal #CWC25

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 23, 2025

Top knock from Pratika Rawal 👏#women #cricket #pratikarawal #CWC25

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 23, 2025

Also READ: IND-W vs NZ-W, Women’s World Cup 2025 Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between India and New Zealand?

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.