Sun Jan 12 19:13:10 UTC 2025: **India Dominates Ireland in Women’s ODI, Securing 2-0 Series Lead**
RAJKOT, INDIA – India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match women’s ODI series against Ireland with a commanding 116-run victory in Rajkot on Sunday. A stellar batting performance, spearheaded by Jemimah Rodrigues’ maiden ODI century, powered India to a massive 370/5.
Rodrigues’ 102 off 91 balls, which included a celebratory mock guitar strum after reaching her milestone, was the highlight of India’s innings. She was well supported by captain Smriti Mandhana’s attacking 73 off 54 balls, Pratika Rawal’s 67 off 61, and Harleen Deol’s 89 off 84. The Indian innings featured two significant partnerships: a 156-run stand between Mandhana and Rawal, and a massive 183-run partnership between Rodrigues and Deol. In total, the Indian batters smashed 44 boundaries and three sixes.
Ireland, in response, managed only 254/7. Christina Coulter Reilly’s 80 was a lone bright spot in their otherwise subdued batting performance. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs.
Rodrigues expressed her relief at finally achieving her first ODI century, emphasizing the importance of batting until the 50th over. She credited her partnership with Deol and highlighted the importance of not underestimating any opponent.
The comprehensive victory leaves India on the verge of a clean sweep in the series.
First Piper 