Fri Jan 10 15:44:30 UTC 2025: ## India Wins Women’s ODI Series Opener Against Ireland
**Rajkot, India** – India secured a convincing six-wicket victory over Ireland in the first One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series on Friday. Pratika Rawal’s career-best 89 and Tejal Hasabnis’ unbeaten 53 propelled India to a comfortable chase of 239, achieving victory with 93 balls to spare.
Rawal and Hasabnis shared a crucial 116-run partnership, building on a strong start provided by stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana’s quickfire 41. Mandhana’s innings, which included six fours and a six, also saw her surpass 4,000 ODI runs, becoming only the 15th player globally to achieve this milestone.
Despite a temporary slowdown in India’s chase after Mandhana’s dismissal and the loss of two other wickets, Ireland’s inexperienced bowling attack, particularly Laura Delany’s two successive no-balls, proved costly. Aimee Maguire’s 3/57 was a bright spot for Ireland.
Earlier, Ireland, led by Gaby Lewis’s classy 92, posted a respectable 238/7. Lewis’s innings, studded with 15 boundaries, was aided significantly by several dropped catches by the Indian fielders. Leah Paul also contributed a valuable 59.
India’s win marks a strong start to the series, showcasing the team’s batting prowess and highlighting Ireland’s inexperience in certain areas of the game. The series continues with the second ODI.
First Piper 