India leg-spinner
Rawat reached her fifty in a mere 14 deliveries, eclipsing the previous record of 15 balls held by Pakistan captain Fatima Sana. Her explosive unbeaten knock featured six boundaries and four sixes, resulting in a staggering strike rate of 357.14. This performance proved pivotal in setting up a dominant victory for her side.
A record-breaking display and comprehensive win
The record-setting innings provided the foundation for Uttarakhand to post a formidable total of 187 for two after they were sent in to bat. Rawat was well-supported by openers Raghvi Bist, who contributed 72 runs off 50 balls, and Kareena, who added 44 off 34 deliveries. In response, Hyderabad struggled to gain any momentum, failing to establish significant partnerships as they were restricted to 98 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, handing Uttarakhand an 89-run win.
Rawat’s impact extended beyond her batting display. After her record-breaking performance, she showcased her primary skill as a leg-spinner, claiming two wickets for just 12 runs in her four-over spell. Her all-round contribution earned her the Player of the Match award.
Context of the record and international career
The previous record of 15 balls, set by Fatima Sana against Zimbabwe in Karachi in May 2026, had surpassed the long-standing mark of 18 balls previously shared by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield, and Richa Ghosh. While Rawat’s 14-ball effort now stands as the fastest in women's T20 cricket, the record for the
Primarily recognized for her bowling, Rawat has been making significant strides in the international arena. She earned a call-up to India's 2026 Women's T20 World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Shreyanka Patil, following a string of impressive performances for India A, including a successful campaign in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. Since making her senior international debut in 2026, she has featured in seven T20Is, with her career-best figures of 3/9 recorded against Pakistan during the Women's Asia Cup.
