Jemimah Rodrigues' brilliant maiden international century, supported by solid fifties from Harleen Deol, Smriti Mandhana, and Pratika Rawal, powered India to a formidable 370/5 against Ireland in Rajkot. The team posted their highest-ever ODI total, leaving Ireland chasing shadows throughout the day.
SOLID STARTS AND BIG PARTNERSHIPS
After opting to bat first, India’s top four batters made the most of a lackluster Irish bowling attack, with each of them spending significant time at the crease. Rodrigues, in particular, was in sublime form, surpassing her previous best score of 86 to reach her maiden ODI century in the seventh year of her international career. Her milestone was especially significant as she seized the opportunity in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, who was rested for this series.
Rodrigues' stand of 183 runs with Harleen for the third wicket was a key highlight. Harleen, who fell just 11 runs short of her second ODI century in four innings, showed great composure in her knock of 89. The pair formed the backbone of India's total, with Rodrigues accelerating in the latter stages of the innings.
IMPRESSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE TOP ORDER
Pratika Rawal, making her debut as an opener, impressed with her fluid stroke play. Her stylish cover drives, backfoot punches, and pull shots set the tone early on. Rawal and Mandhana made a solid start, bringing up their 50-run partnership in just 7.2 overs. Mandhana, playing in a slightly more restrained role compared to the series opener, soon got into her groove, striking two consecutive fours off Ava Canning to signal her intent.
The opening stand of 156 runs came to an end when Mandhana (73) was dismissed, caught at midwicket off Orla Prendergast. Rawal (67) followed soon after, trapped lbw by Georgina Dempsey. At 156/2, India continued to build partnerships as Harleen and Rodrigues consolidated.
RODRIGUES' MASTERCLASS AND RECORD-SETTING CENTURY
Harleen, initially struggling for rhythm, eventually broke free with a loft shot over mid-off to raise her fifty. Rodrigues, ever the opportunist, reached her half-century off 62 balls before switching gears. A missed run-out chance and a dropped catch off Rodrigues allowed her to get into her stride, and she accelerated in the final ten overs, adding 102 runs to the total.
Rodrigues reached her century in just 28 balls from her half-century, showcasing her dominance with a series of brilliant strokes, including a signature lofted shot to deep midwicket. Her joyous celebration, mimicking playing a guitar with her bat, was a testament to the emotional significance of her achievement.
INDIA'S RECORD TOTAL LEAVES IRELAND WITH A DAUNTING CHASE
India’s total of 370/5 marks their highest ODI score to date. The team ended their innings with a flurry, taking 102 runs from the final ten overs. Ireland, left to chase a daunting target, would have been relieved when the innings concluded, but also impressed by India’s complete batting performance.
