Ireland women’s hopes have been tarnished. In their maiden tour of India, the European ladies have been handed quite a comprehensive loss, courtesy of a zestful performance by Team India. Under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, the India women’s team scripted a 6-wicket win in Rajkot. The inexperienced Indian bowling unit had some trouble bundling the Irish outfit but the batting group shown brightly. Pratika Rawal had a superb show, hammering 89 off 96 while Tejal Hasabnis remained uneaten at 53.
Ireland women’s show fight in 1st innings
Ireland Women posted a competitive 238/7 in their 50 overs, led by a gritty 92 from captain Gaby Lewis. Despite her fluent start, India pulled things back with disciplined bowling spells, particularly from Titas Sadhu and Priya Mishra. Sadhu’s early wicket and tight powerplay bowling restricted Ireland to 38/1 after 10 overs, which set the tone for India’s fightback.
Priya Mishra made an immediate impact in the middle overs, dismissing Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany in consecutive balls. However, Ireland’s recovery was spearheaded by Lewis and Leah Paul, who shared a crucial 117-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Paul was dropped twice during her steady knock of 59, and she capitalized to rebuild the innings alongside Lewis, who crossed fifty and anchored the innings despite battling cramps later.
Poor fielding continues for IND
India’s fielding was patchy, with four dropped catches and two run-outs providing key breakthroughs. Paul’s dismissal came through a mix-up with Lewis, and Deepti Sharma dismissed Lewis for 92 just as she threatened to take Ireland past 250. The Indian bowlers choked the scoring in the death overs, particularly after Lewis’ dismissal, but crucial cameos from Reilly and Arlene Kelly lifted Ireland past 230. Priya Mishra stood out with figures of 2/56, while Deepti contributed with 1/41. Team India’s fielding has been an issue since some time now. It even cost them the Women’s Asia Cup Final against Sri Lanka last year.
Pratika Rawal stars in chase for Mandhana-led side
India Women cruised to a commanding victory, chasing down the target of 239 with more than 15 overs to spare. The win, their 13th consecutive triumph over Ireland across formats, was anchored by Pratika Rawal’s splendid knock of 89 off 96 balls.
Ireland’s modest total never seemed enough against a powerful Indian batting lineup. The Irish bowlers needed early breakthroughs to stay in the game but failed to deliver. Their new-ball attack was erratic, allowing the Indian openers to dominate. Smriti Mandhana capitalized on loose bowling, helping India race to 70 runs within the powerplay. However, Ireland got a brief opening when they dismissed the Indian skipper on the final ball of the 10th over.
After Smriti’s departure, India’s momentum dipped. Harleen Deol struggled to get going, consuming deliveries without finding fluency before being dismissed. Jemimah Rodrigues fell cheaply, leaving India momentarily vulnerable. At 120/3, Ireland sensed a comeback, but Pratika Rawal held firm. Showing great composure, she steadied the innings with a mix of aggression and calculated risk, taking India past the finish line. Aimee Maguire was Ireland’s best bowler, claiming 3/57, but lacked support from the other end.
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