It’s not easy, I’ve worked really hard: Rawal after her 122(134)

Pratika Rawal’s 122 off 134 balls in India’s crushing win over New Zealand wasn’t just another big score — it was a statement. On a humid afternoon at the DY Patil Stadium, Rawal put together a composed, intelligent century that helped India reach the Women’s World Cup semi-finals. The knock showed technique, temperament and the payoff of steady work off the field.

Pratika Rawal: the innings that mattered

How the score unfolded and why it was important

Pratika Rawal opened with Smriti Mandhana and shared a huge 212-run partnership that set the platform for India’s massive 340/3. Rawal’s 122 came from 134 balls and featured a mix of patient rotation and timely boundary-hitting — the kind of innings that anchors a big total in a big game. That partnership and the totals were pivotal in seeing New Zealand chased back and India booked a semi-final slot.

This century also had context: Pratika Rawal had shown flashes earlier in the tournament and in bilateral series, but converting starts into big scores was a criticism she was often asked to answer. Against New Zealand she did exactly that — a mature conversion under pressure.

“I’ve worked really hard” — what she actually said

The mindset behind the runs

After the game Rawal was candid about the process. She credited hard work, preparation and mental focus for her performance, noting that what looks simple on the scoreboard takes hours in the nets and in the mind. Her post-match words — variations of “I’ve worked extremely hard” and emphasis on preparation — have been quoted by multiple outlets and spoken about as a reflection of how much effort she’s put into her game.

That honesty matters. It shifts the narrative from raw talent alone to disciplined development — a message younger players and fans often appreciate. Pratika Rawal’s background (she studied psychology) also helps explain her calm, measured approach at the crease. She has repeatedly spoken about mental routines and using psychology to manage pressure.

Technical strengths shown in the knock

Footwork, shot selection and pacing an innings

Rawal’s century wasn’t fireworks from overcommitment. It displayed three consistent strengths:

• Controlled footwork that allowed her to reach the pitch of fuller deliveries and smother spin.
• Clear shot selection: she punished bad balls but kept singles and rotate-the-strike options open when needed.
• Excellent pacing: Rawal accelerated when the platform was set, showing she could switch gears from consolidation to aggression.

Commentators and coaches praised her balance and timing — attributes built over long-hours of practice rather than overnight fixes.

Impact on the team and tournament

Why this matters for India’s World Cup hopes

Rawal’s century, combined with Mandhana’s 109, helped India post one of the tournament’s top totals and sealed qualification to the semis. Beyond the scoreboard, the knock offers selection stability at the top of the order: a reliable opening pair gives the middle order freedom to play their roles without panic. That kind of stability matters deep into knockout cricket.

For Pratika Rawal personally, the innings cements her place as more than a promising newcomer — it marks her as a key component of India’s batting plans. Media coverage and player-tracking stats after the match also highlighted her rising numbers and how quickly she’s racking up runs in international cricket.

From criticism to confidence

How Rawal answered doubters on the big stage

Before this match, Pratika Rawal had faced questions about converting starts and being inconsistent at times. That scrutiny is common for newcomers in high-profile sides. Her 122 not only answered those critics but did so under pressure in a must-win contest. The knock was widely described as “silencing critics” and “a defining innings” — phrases that capture how performance can reset public perception overnight.

What this means for Pratika Rawal’s future

Projection and realistic next steps

If Pratika Rawal keeps building on this template — combining technique with mental preparation — she could become a long-term opener for India across formats. Short-term, the key will be consistency: backing this century with more 50s and big contributions in knockout matches. Given her track record in domestic cricket and earlier centuries (including a 154 against Ireland earlier in the year), the infrastructure is there for sustained success.

Coaching staff will likely focus on workload management, match planning for different oppositions, and sustaining that mental routine she’s spoken about. Opponents will start planning specifically for her, so evolution — adding new scoring options while retaining her anchor skills — will be essential.

Final takeaway: a labour of love, not luck

Why the quote matters beyond the soundbite

When Pratika Rawal says “it’s not easy, I’ve worked really hard,” it’s more than a line for the highlights reel. It captures the reality behind elite sport: success is often the visible tip of invisible hours — physical training, technical tweaks, mental conditioning, and small everyday sacrifices.

For fans and aspiring cricketers, her innings offers a clear lesson: talent opens a door, but consistent hard work keeps it open. For India, it gives a dependable opener at a time when big tournaments demand reliability and calm at the top.

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