India Women registered a commanding 116-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI at Rajkot, sealing the series 2-0 with one match left to play. Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol scored crucial half-centuries, while Jemimah Rodrigues hit her maiden ODI century to help India post their highest-ever total in WODIs — 370/5. Chasing a daunting target, Ireland fell short by 116 runs, but their approach left India’s bowlers frustrated as they batted out the full 50 overs.
India’s bowlers were expected to deliver a better performance after failing to dismiss all Irish batters in the series opener. During the post-match presentation of the first ODI, Smriti had admitted that the bowling execution needed improvement. However, in this game, Ireland’s batters once again played sensibly, finishing at 254/7. It turned out to be their second-highest total while batting second in WODIs. Their strategy seemed to focus on lasting all 50 overs rather than chasing the target, viewing it as a moral victory. The approach proved effective, with Christina Coulter Reilly top-scoring with 80 runs and contributions from others ensuring a competitive total.
Even at the post-match presentation, skipper Gaby Lewis said: “We put on a total higher than the last game, that is a positive. Shows the future of Irish cricket, great to watch from the sidelines.”
For India, Priya Mishra picked up three wickets, while Deepti Sharma claimed two. However, questions arose about Smriti’s captaincy, particularly during the middle overs, when India seemed to wait for mistakes rather than applying pressure. The ease with which Ireland scored 254 runs raised concerns about India’s bowling unit, especially with the 50-over World Cup just months away.
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Earlier, Smriti won the toss and opted to bat first, fielding an unchanged XI from the opening game. She (73 off 54) and Pratika (67 off 61) provided a solid start with a 156-run opening stand. However, Ireland struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both openers. Harleen and Jemimah then stabilised the innings with a 183-run partnership off 168 balls. Harleen narrowly missed her second ODI century, falling for 89, but Jemimah reached her maiden ODI hundred before being dismissed for 102 off 91 balls.
India’s total of 370/5 is their highest ever in WODIs. Arlene Kelly and Orla Prendergast claimed two wickets for Ireland, while Georgina Dempsey picked up one. Despite their defeat, Ireland’s resilience in batting out the overs was a sign of progress for the team.
Jemimah was named Player of the Match for her remarkable century, while India’s bowling performance and approach showed scopes for improvement. The third ODI is scheduled on Wednesday in Rajkot.
Brief Score: India-W – 370/5 in 50 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 102 off 91, Arlene Kelly 2/82 in 10 overs) defeat Ireland-W 254/7 in 50 overs (Christina Coulter Reilly 80 off 113, Deepti Sharma 3/37 in 10 overs) by 116 runs.
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