Star India opener Smriti Mandhana made a huge revelation about her fear. She revealed that she was scared to sleep alone. Smriti was part of the Indian team that won the World Cup 2025. Ad She revealed that she needed someone with her in her room to get sound sleep. Smriti would often get hold of her India teammate and close friend Jemimah Rodrigues. “I am scared to sleep alone. I need someone in the room. Even on tour I manage to get someone. I try to grab someone. I have good friends. Jemmi gets very scared. But yeah, I need nice sound sleep,” she said on ‘The Long Off Show’. Ad Trending Smriti also revealed what she would do on bad days and her mindset to make a strong comeback. She stated that she would set harder goals for herself than being negative. The left-hander expressed how it felt when India were knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the group stage. “When bad days come I like to write a lot. The moment I start thinking how to get better, the point I fail, it fades away. I set a bigger or harder goal than thinking bad. I think what is my plan of action ahead. The 2024 World Cup was a very big setback. Before that I was in he form of my life. We could not qualify. Everyone was extremely quiet.” Ad She made up in the World Cup 2025, ending as India’s highest run-getter. Smriti made 434 runs from nine matches with a century and a half-century. She delivered on the big stage in a crucial tournament as India won their maiden ICC trophy in Women’s cricket. Smriti Mandhana reveals advice from ex-India star before World Cup 2025 Smriti Mandhana revealed an advice she received from ex-India star Yuvraj Singh before the World Cup 2025. Yuvraj Singh asked her and the team not to play the tournament with the expectations in mind, but rather only play the match as a normal game of cricket. Ad “I was at an event where Yuvraj Singh was also there. He said dont play by the expectations, just play the game. I really liked what he said. It is not just expectations from people but even expectations that we have from ourselves as players. You start thinking of doing a lot when the World Cup comes. When you just do the job and leave, then the magic happens,” she said. Ad Further, when asked about three names she had the best conversation with or learnt the most from. Smriti named Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, Australia star Meg Lanning, and former skipper MS Dhoni. She revealed that she even idolised Sangakkara growing up, being a left-handed batter herself. “Sangakkara Sir was my idol growing up. Whenever I speak to him I have amazing conversations around batting. I was feeling out of touch with my batting. I texted him and he was very happy to help. I had a good 20-30 minute chat with him. One is him. Second is Meg Lanning. I remember watching her batting and thinking I need to bat like that. I wanted to dominate how she dominated. The third person is Dhoni. I remember doing a shoot with him. We were on bike for the shoot and he was on another bike. On the bike I was asking him questions.” NOTE: ‘This interview was recorded before Smriti Mandhana’s father was hospitalized’ × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️ Edited by Rishab Vm.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-i-scared-sleep-alone-star-india-opener-makes-huge-revelation-fear
Tag: Smriti Mandhana
Women’s WC: Mandhana, Rawal register record-breaking opening stand against Australia
**Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Set New Record for Highest-Ever Opening Partnership Against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 12, 2025, 06:17 PM*
In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have set a new record for the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups. The remarkable feat was achieved during India’s group stage match against Australia on Sunday in Visakhapatnam.
The duo surpassed the previous record held by England’s E Bakewell and D Thomas, who had put together 101 runs in the inaugural World Cup of 1973. Mandhana and Rawal are now the only pair to have registered a century stand against Australia in Women’s World Cup history.
### Record-Breaking Feat: Highest Opening Stand Against Australia
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mandhana and Rawal also set a new record for the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). Together, they constructed an impressive 155-run stand before Mandhana was dismissed for 80 runs.
Starting their innings cautiously, the duo gradually took control and unleashed some brilliant strokes, particularly against two of Australia’s premier bowlers, Sophie Molineux and Ashleigh Gardner. Their partnership was highlighted by a series of well-timed boundaries that thrilled fans.
### Milestone Achievement: Second ODI Partnership for Mandhana and Rawal
The ninth over of the match was a turning point when Rawal struck a six followed by a four off Gardner, pushing their partnership past the 50-run mark. This marked their 14th 50-plus stand in ODIs, placing them second only to Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj, who have 18 such partnerships for India.
This partnership was also their sixth opening stand across 21 WODI innings, with only Mithali Raj and Punam Raut having more century stands for India in this format (7 each).
### Partnership Progress: Fourth Century-Plus Stand of 2025 for the Duo
At 93 runs in the 18th over, Rawal was given a reprieve after being dropped. The partnership quickly climbed to surpass the 100-run milestone, marking their fourth century-plus stand in 2025 alone. This achievement is second only to Australia’s Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley, who had five such stands in 2000, and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Rachel Priest with four in 2015.
### Smriti Mandhana Surpasses 5,000 WODI Runs
Mandhana was eventually dismissed for 80 runs off 66 balls, which included 9 fours and 3 sixes. During this innings, she crossed the significant milestone of 5,000 WODI runs, becoming the fastest woman to do so, achieving it in just 112 innings.
Her career tally now includes 13 centuries and 33 half-centuries. Additionally, with her 18th run in the game, Mandhana became the first-ever batter to complete 1,000 runs in a calendar year in WODIs.
### Pratika Rawal Scores Seventh WODI Fifty
Rawal contributed a solid 75 runs off 96 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six. The 25-year-old now has eight scores of 50 or more across 21 WODI appearances, including one century.
ESPNcricinfo reports that her seventh WODI fifty has taken her overall run tally to 982 runs at an impressive average of 49.10. This was her second fifty against Australia in just four outings and also marked her maiden fifty in the Women’s World Cup.
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This landmark partnership by Mandhana and Rawal not only highlights the depth and talent in the Indian women’s cricket team but also sets the stage for an exciting campaign ahead in the World Cup.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mandhana-rawal-record-highest-ever-opening-partnership-against-australia-wodis/story
Women’s WC: Mandhana, Rawal register record-breaking opening stand against Australia
**Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Set New Record for Highest Opening Partnership Against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 12, 2025 | 06:17 pm*
In an enthralling group stage match against Australia in Visakhapatnam, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal scripted history by setting a new record for the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in ICC Women’s World Cups. The dynamic duo surpassed the previous mark of 101 runs held by England’s E Bakewell and D Thomas, which was set during the inaugural World Cup in 1973. Interestingly, no other pair had managed a century stand against Australia in Women’s World Cups until now.
### Record-Breaking Feat: Highest Opening Stand Against Australia
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mandhana and Rawal also rewrote the record books by registering the highest-ever opening partnership against Australia in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). The pair compiled an impressive 155-run stand before Mandhana was dismissed for 80 runs.
The innings began cautiously, with both players taking their time to assess the conditions. However, as the partnership blossomed, they took on Australia’s premier bowlers, Sophie Molineux and Ashleigh Gardner, dispatching them with crisply timed boundaries and well-calculated aggression.
### Milestone Achievement: Second ODI Partnership for Mandhana and Rawal
The partnership gained momentum in the ninth over when Rawal showcased her power-hitting prowess by smashing a six and a four off Ashleigh Gardner, pushing their stand beyond 50 runs. This marked their 14th 50-plus partnership in ODIs, putting them second only to the formidable duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj, who have registered 18 such stands for India.
Furthermore, this stand was their sixth successful opening partnership across 21 Women’s ODI innings. When it comes to century stands for India in the format, only Mithali Raj and Punam Raut have more with seven such partnerships.
### Partnership Progress: Fourth Century-Plus Stand of 2025 for the Duo
At 93 runs in the 18th over, Rawal was dropped on the field but quickly recovered as they crossed the 100-run milestone. This marked their fourth century-plus partnership in 2025 alone, a feat only rivaled by Australia’s Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley, who achieved five century stands in 2000, and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Rachel Priest, who recorded four in 2015.
### Smriti Mandhana’s Personal Milestones
Mandhana’s innings was a fine display of skill and power. She scored 80 runs off just 66 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. During her stay at the crease, she passed the significant milestone of 5,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, taking only 112 innings to reach this mark — the fastest ever to do so. Her career tally now includes 13 centuries and 33 half-centuries.
Additionally, with her 18th run in the match, Mandhana became the first-ever batter in Women’s ODIs to complete 1,000 runs in a calendar year, underscoring her consistent brilliance.
### Pratika Rawal’s Impressive Performance
Rawal contributed a well-made 75 off 96 deliveries, featuring 10 fours and a six. The 25-year-old now boasts eight 50-plus scores in 21 WODI appearances, including one century. According to ESPNcricinfo, her seventh WODI fifty brought her total runs to 982 at an excellent average of 49.10.
This innings marked her second fifty in just four outings against Australia and her maiden half-century in the ICC Women’s World Cup, highlighting her emergence as a dependable middle-order batter for India.
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The record-breaking opening stand by Mandhana and Rawal not only set the tone for India’s innings but also added a memorable chapter to the history of Women’s cricket. Their combination of resilience, skill, and aggression promises exciting times ahead for Indian cricket fans.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mandhana-rawal-record-highest-ever-opening-partnership-against-australia-wodis/story
Harmanpreet Kaur exudes confidence ahead of Women’s ODI World Cup
By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 26, 2025 | 10:04 PM
**Harmanpreet Kaur Expresses Confidence Ahead of 2025 ODI World Cup**
As the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup approaches, Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has expressed strong confidence about the team’s chances. Hosted by India after a gap of 12 years, this tournament holds special significance for the Indian team.
Speaking at a captains’ meet in Bengaluru, Harmanpreet said, “No doubt we have been through these situations many times.” She emphasized that the team has been consistently playing good cricket and is focused on enjoying the moment instead of dwelling on past mistakes.
### Captaincy Challenges
The 2025 World Cup marks Harmanpreet’s fifth ODI World Cup appearance but her first as captain. She described the experience of leading India in a home World Cup as “unbelievable.” Despite the pressures that come with the role, Harmanpreet is keen to keep the team’s spirits high and avoid taking on “too much pressure” while chasing their maiden title.
“I just want to go there and enjoy, and play my best cricket,” she added.
### Team Dynamics and Praise for Smriti Mandhana
Harmanpreet also took the opportunity to praise her teammate Smriti Mandhana for her stellar form in 2025, highlighting her impressive 928 runs in ODIs this year.
“She has been great,” said Harmanpreet. “The way she is batting nowadays is something really exciting to watch.”
She acknowledged how having players in such fine form makes things easier on the pitch and boosts the overall team dynamics.
### Preparation Strategies: Adapting to Indian Conditions
Addressing concerns about adapting to Indian conditions, Harmanpreet appeared confident. “The wickets are going to be flat,” she said, adding that the team will have ample practice sessions to acclimatize.
Though some stadiums where the matches will be held are unfamiliar to the players, Harmanpreet believes data analysis and preparation will help them adjust effectively to the conditions.
### Pressure Management: Insights from Australia Captain Alyssa Healy
Defending champions Australia, the most successful team in Women’s ODI World Cup history with seven titles, are also gearing up for a tightly contested tournament. Their captain Alyssa Healy weighed in on the competition.
“I firmly believe that this is going to be the tightest World Cup that we have been a part of,” Healy stated. She emphasized that “every team is on equal footing” this time, and every squad knows what it takes to win.
With all teams equally determined, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup promises to be an exciting and fiercely competitive event. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is ready to take on the challenge and delight fans on home soil.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/harmanpreet-optimistic-as-india-gear-up-for-women-s-odi-wc/story