Sat Jan 11 13:13:46 UTC 2025: **India Eyeing Unassailable Lead in Ireland ODI Series**
**Dublin, January 11, 2025** – The Indian women’s cricket team is poised to take an unassailable lead in their three-match ODI series against Ireland after a convincing six-wicket victory in the first match on Saturday. Despite fielding a relatively inexperienced side, resting key players like regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and leading pacer Renuka Singh, India dominated the game.
Captain Smriti Mandhana provided a solid start with 41 runs, while a century partnership between Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis steered India to victory with 15 overs to spare. While India’s fielding was less than perfect, granting Leah Paul two lives, Paul capitalized and scored a half-century, contributing to Ireland’s total of over 200. Ireland’s captain, Gaby Lewis, also impressed with a 92-run knock, but lacked support from the middle order. Amy Maguire’s three wickets were a bright spot for Ireland, but their bowling attack overall failed to contain India’s batters.
India’s bowling attack, however, performed admirably in the absence of Renuka Singh. Titas Sadhu stepped up, alongside effective bowling performances from Sayali Satghare and Saima Thakor. The spin duo of Priya Mishra and vice-captain Deepti Sharma also played crucial roles.
The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday, with India aiming to secure the series win.
First Piper 