Sat Jan 11 04:30:00 UTC 2025: ## India Cruises to Victory in Women’s ODI Series Opener Against Ireland

**Rajkot, India –** India began its three-match Women’s One Day International (WODI) series against Ireland with a convincing six-wicket win in Rajkot on January 10th. Despite the absence of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and bowler Renuka Singh Thakur, India demonstrated their strength, overcoming a spirited fightback from Ireland to secure the victory.

Ireland, after a shaky start where early wickets reduced them to 56/4, rebuilt their innings thanks to a crucial 115-run partnership between captain Gaby Lewis (92 runs) and Leah Paul (59 runs). However, sloppy Indian fielding contributed to this recovery.

India’s bowlers eventually stemmed the flow of runs, restricting Ireland to 238/7. Deepti Sharma and Saima Thakor were particularly impressive, with Sayali Satghare also claiming a wicket on debut.

India’s chase was anchored by an explosive start from Smriti Mandhana (41 runs), who became only the second Indian woman to reach 4000 WODI runs. Pratika Rawal then starred with a career-best 89 runs, earning her the Player of the Match award. Despite a brief wobble in the middle order, Tejal Hasabnis’ unbeaten 53 guided India to victory.

The second ODI in the series is scheduled for January 12th in Rajkot, with India aiming to clinch the series.

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