The Indian women’s cricket team kicked off the year on a winning note, securing a comfortable six-wicket victory over Ireland in the first of three ODIs in Rajkot on Friday.
After electing to bat first, the Irish women posted 238 in 50 overs with skipper Gaby Lewis starring with 92 runs (129b, 15x4s). She was ably supported by Leah Paul, who made 59 (73b, 7x4s).
In reply, India cantered to the target in just under 37 overs, as opener Pratika Rawal top-scored with 89 (96b, 10x4s, 1×6). Tejal Hasabnis also made a quickfire 53 off just 46 balls, remaining unbeaten and seeing the game through.
Ireland post a fighting total
Opting to bat first, Ireland got off to a shaky start, and before you know it, they were reduced to 56-4.
But skipper Lewis dug deep with Paul and the two stitched a valuable 117-run partnership for the fifth wicket, pulling their side out of trouble.
Arelene Kelly too chipped in with runs, scoring 28 from 25 balls, taking Ireland to 238 in 50 overs.
For India, Priya Mishra was the pick of the bowlers with the leg-spinner picking up 2-56 in nine overs. Saima Thakor was the most economical, conceding just 30 in her quota of 10 overs but remained wicketless.
India make light work of the run-chase
Chasing 239, India got off to a brisk start with skipper Smriti Mandhana continuing in rich vein of form form, scoring boundaries at will.
Rawal played second-fiddle to Smriti’s blistering start but it did not last long as the captain fell after making 41 from just 29 balls (6x4s, 1×6). From there on, Rawal took over.
Harleen Deol at no.3 stuck in with Rawal for a while before falling for 20, and Jemimah Rodrigues departed for just nine runs. However, Hasabnis steadied the ship with the opener and guided India home.
Following her impressive debut against New Zealand, Hasabnis continued her good showing, batting freely and aggressively. The two notched up a 116-run stand for the fourth wicket, all but sealing India’s victory.
Is Pratika making a case for a World Cup spot?
24-year-old Rawal had big shoes to fill when she was drafted into the WODI squad for the West Indies series last month.
After all, she was replacing Shafali Verma, whose axe was considered a surprise given that India have less than a year for the home World Cup in 2025.
But in four matches, Rawal has shown she has what it takes to survive at the highest level.
With 255 runs at a stunning average of 55.75 in four matches, Rawal has taken a liking to the format. With Mandhana, she has formed a formidable opening partnership that looks good to go for the upcoming World Cup.
With Verma scoring runs at the domestic level, the selectors will be presented with a headache going forward, but as experts say, it is always a ‘good headache’ to have. For now, it is clear that Rawal is here to stay and means business.
Smriti Mandhana lauds 'exceptional' batting
Skipper Mandhana was all smiles after the match, giving due credit to Rawal and Hasabnis for their batting.
“The way Pratika and Tejal finished things off was exceptional,” she said. “You need to understand your bowlers’ strengths, and their execution of slower balls and bouncers was key on this pitch. While we’re happy with the win, we would’ve loved to restrict them to around 180.”
She also acknowledged the preparations undergoing for the World Cup, stating the importance of the next seven to eight months.
“There’s a lot of preparation behind the scenes, and that will be crucial in the next seven-eight months,” she concluded.
What next for team India?
With this win, India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and will play the second ODI on 12th January. A win there will seal the series in what would be their fourth consecutive home ODI series victory.
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