Pratika Rawal Shines on T20I Debut as India Opens Asia Cup Campaign Against Thailand

The Women’s Asia Cup kicked off with a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as rising star Pratika Rawal made her long-awaited T20 International debut in the opening clash against Thailand. Rawal, who was drafted into the squad as a late replacement for the injured star batter Jemimah Rodrigues, wasted little time in proving her mettle on the big stage.

A Promising Start to T20I Career

Stepping into the crease with confidence, Rawal displayed the composure that has defined her recent rise in the international circuit. The right-hander contributed a brisk 22 runs off just 18 deliveries, a cameo that included two boundaries and a towering six. Her innings was eventually brought to an end by Thailand’s Suleeporn Laomi, who delivered a deceptive ball that stayed low, trapping the debutant.

Rawal’s transition to the shortest format follows a period of rehabilitation. Having missed out on featuring for the UP Warriorz during the 2026 Women’s Premier League due to injury, this performance marked her first T20 appearance in two years, signaling a successful return to form.

Building on ODI Dominance

Rawal’s T20I call-up is the natural culmination of a stellar run in the 50-over format. In just 27 ODIs, she has amassed 1,189 runs at a formidable average of 47.56 and a strike rate of 82.34. Her consistency is backed by two centuries and eight half-centuries, with a career-best score of 154.

Her reputation was further cemented during the 2025 ODI World Cup, where she notched her maiden century against New Zealand. Notably, she also etched her name in the record books by becoming the joint-fastest woman to reach the 1,000-run milestone in ODI cricket, achieving the feat in only 23 innings.

Landmark Match for Deepti Sharma

While the focus was on the debutant, the match against Thailand served as a momentous occasion for veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma. By taking the field in this Women’s Asia Cup opener, Sharma became only the third Indian woman, joining the elite company of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, to play 150 T20Is.

Team Lineups

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud.

Thailand: Natthakan Chantham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong (c), Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Nannaphat Chaihan, Naomi Hamilton.