Pratika and Smriti's Centuries Propel India to 304-Run Victory Against Ireland, Completing 3-0 Series Sweep
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Synopsis
In a record-setting performance, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana both scored centuries, leading India to a remarkable 304-run win over Ireland. This victory at the Niranjan Shah Stadium secured a 3-0 series sweep for India, showcasing their dominance in women's ODI cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Pratika Rawal scored her first ODI century, hitting 154 runs.
- Smriti Mandhana broke the record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman.
- India posted a highest-ever total of 435/5 in women's ODIs.
- The victory margin of 304 runs is a record for India in women's ODIs.
- India became the third team to surpass 400 runs in women's ODIs.
Rajkot, Jan 15 (NationPress) Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana delivered outstanding performances, both scoring centuries during a historic day for India as they triumphed over Ireland by a staggering 304 runs to secure a 3-0 series victory at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday.
From the very beginning, the game favored India, who set a record total of 435/5, marking the highest score in women’s ODIs, and subsequently bowled out Ireland for just 131 in 31.4 overs. This 304-run victory stands as the largest margin of victory for India in women’s ODI history.
Opting to bat first, Smriti achieved the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman, reaching the milestone in just 70 balls, surpassing the previous record of 87 balls set by regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Smriti concluded her innings with 135 runs off 80 balls, featuring 12 fours and 7 sixes, marking her tenth ODI century. Meanwhile, Pratika celebrated her first ODI century, scoring 154 off 129 balls, which now ranks as the third-highest individual score by an Indian woman in ODIs and the most runs scored by an Indian batter in a home match.
The duo of Smriti and Pratika forged a remarkable opening partnership of 233 runs, now the third-highest opening partnership for India in ODIs. With a rapid-fire contribution of 59 runs from Richa Ghosh, India became the third team in women’s ODI history, after New Zealand and Australia, to surpass the 400-run milestone, achieving this for the first time.
The total of 435/5 is India's peak team score in ODIs, regardless of gender. It is also the fourth-highest score in the annals of women’s ODI cricket. In response, Ireland struggled to mount a challenge against the daunting target of 436, although a partnership worth 64 runs between Sarah Forbes (41) and Orla Prendergast (36) provided some resistance.
However, following the collapse of that partnership, Ireland lost their final seven wickets for a mere 31 runs. All-rounder Deepti Sharma was the standout bowler, claiming 3-27, while Tanuja Kanwar added two wickets. Titas Sadhu, Sayali Satghare, and Minnu Mani each contributed with a wicket as India capped off a dominant series triumph on this record-setting day, a positive sign ahead of the ODI World Cup scheduled to be hosted on home soil later this year.
Brief Scores: India 435/5 (Pratika Rawal 154, Smriti Mandhana 135; Orla Prendergast 2-71) beat Ireland 131/10 in 31.4 overs (Sarah Forbes 41, Orla Prendergast 36; Deepti Sharma 3-27, Tanuja Kanwar 2-31) by 304 runs
