India registered a comfortable six-wicket victory over Ireland in the 1st Women’s ODI of the Ireland Women’s tour of India at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on Friday (January 10). Led by Smriti Mandhana, India successfully chased down Ireland’s target of 239 with 93 balls to spare. Pratika Rawal’s composed 89 and Tejal Hasabnis’ quick-fire 53 not out were instrumental in ensuring the team’s triumph. Earlier, Ireland’s captain Gaby Lewis played a valiant knock of 92, helping her side post a respectable total of 238/7.
Pratika Rawal’s match-winning partnership with Tejal Hasabnis
Rawal’s remarkable innings of 89 runs off 96 balls stood as the cornerstone of India Women’s successful chase against Ireland in the first ODI at Rajkot. Opening alongside Mandhana, Rawal showcased her class with a measured yet commanding performance. Her innings, laced with 10 boundaries and a six, ensured India stayed ahead of the required rate despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
She exhibited excellent shot selection and adaptability, handling both pace and spin with ease. Rawal’s 116-run partnership with Tejal Hasabnis for the fourth wicket proved decisive, steadying India after a mid-innings wobble. Her ability to find gaps and rotate the strike complemented her occasional power-hitting, leaving the Irish bowlers struggling for answers.
Gaby Lewis anchors Ireland’s innings
Earlier, Ireland captain Lewis led from the front with a splendid knock of 92 runs off 129 balls, providing a solid platform for her team. Lewis’ innings was characterized by her ability to hold one end while accumulating runs through elegant drives and well-timed cuts. She found support from Leah Paul, who contributed a valuable 59 runs in their 117-run stand for the fifth wicket.
However, Ireland’s inability to capitalize on this partnership in the death overs cost them a more imposing total. Lewis fell in the 44th over, attempting to accelerate, leaving the Irish lower order with too much to do. Despite their efforts, a lack of boundary-hitting in the final overs meant Ireland finished at 238/7, a target that proved insufficient against India’s batting might.
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India’s all-round bowling performance
India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Ireland to a manageable total. Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma set the tone with early wickets, while Priya Mishra emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 2/56, including the key dismissal of Lewis. Sayali Satghare, on her WODI debut, impressed with her economy, conceding just 43 runs in her 10 overs and claiming a wicket.
The bowlers were supported by sharp fielding efforts, including two critical run-outs that kept Ireland in check. While there were occasional lapses in line and length, India’s bowlers adjusted well to the conditions and maintained pressure throughout the innings. This collective effort ensured that Ireland’s batters could not accelerate significantly in the closing overs, setting up a comfortable chase for the hosts.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Richa finishes it with a boundary. A comprehensive win for India. Ireland never had enough on the board for what the track was like. Started well with Mandhana and then Pratika and Tejal did well to ensure almost no hiccups after two wickets had fell quickly. #INDvIRE
— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) January 10, 2025
The way Pratika Rawal has stepped up, Shafali Verma will have to really work hard to regain her position #IndvIre
— Leishemba Rajkumar (@leishembaa) January 10, 2025
Pratika Rawal is a great inclusion in Indian Women team, very consistent and a pure ODI batter, should also be in Tests set up as well !#INDvIRE #INDWvIREW
— Harsh Tegta (@iamharshtegta) January 10, 2025
Brilliant batting performance from Team India 👏🏏#women #cricket #PratikaRawal #INDvIRE pic.twitter.com/Z01S2NsiST
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 10, 2025
We asked for तोडफोड batting, and #TeamIndia delivered! 🔥
Pratika 89 🤝 Tejal 53*#AaliRe #INDvIRE pic.twitter.com/N1q6Q9kob9
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 10, 2025
India women developing some nice seam and wrist spin bowling options.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 10, 2025
Really happy for Tejal.
— Krithika (@krithika0808) January 10, 2025
India are now assured of a 2nd place finish in the ICC Women’s Championship
It’s easily their best ever a very creditable effort considering how much more competitive this edition has been#INDvIRE
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) January 10, 2025
Pratika Rawal Played Really Well Along With Tejal Hasabnis. Both Anchored The Innings & Made Sure Team India Wins The 1st ODI . #INDWvsIREW
— Gaurang Mestry (@Gaurang321) January 10, 2025
That’s it. India take Game One of this three-match series. Despite the result, plenty to build on for our squad.
Join us again on Sunday morning for the second ODI.#BackingGreen #FuelledByCerta ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/uplrxtTQJb
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) January 10, 2025
Also READ: IND-W vs IRE-W 2025, ODI series: Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, Ireland, Australia, USA and other countries
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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