**IND WOM vs IRE WOM First ODI: Pratika, Tejal Smash Fifties as India Cruise to Six-Wicket Win**
In a thrilling encounter at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, India Women secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the first One-Day International (ODI) of their three-match series. The match, which marked the inaugural women’s ODI in Rajkot, saw Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis deliver outstanding performances with the bat, guiding their team to a comprehensive win.
Ireland, captained by Gaby Lewis, won the toss and elected to bat first. Lewis, who has been in excellent form, showcased her prowess with a majestic 92 off 129 deliveries, including 15 fours. Her innings was a testament to her skill and determination, but unfortunately, she fell just eight runs short of a century. The Irish middle-order, however, failed to capitalize on Lewis’s innings, and the team was restricted to 238/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
The Indian bowling attack, led by Priya Mishra, who picked up two crucial wickets, and Sayali Satghare, who marked her international debut with a maiden wicket, played a pivotal role in limiting Ireland’s total. Titas Sadhu also contributed significantly with an early breakthrough, dismissing Sarah Forbes for just nine runs. The Irish batting lineup struggled to find momentum, with the visitors slipping to 56/4 within the first 13 overs.
In response, India Women, led by stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, began their chase with a solid opening partnership between Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Mandhana, known for her aggressive batting style, scored 41 off 29 deliveries, featuring six fours and a six, making her the second Indian woman and the 15th overall to surpass 4,000 ODI runs. Rawal, who made her debut in the recent West Indies series, provided steady support with a career-best 89 off 96 balls, including 10 fours and a six.
However, India lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, with Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues departing the crease. It was then that Tejal Hasabnis, returning to ODI cricket after a break, stepped up with an unbeaten 53 off just 46 deliveries, including nine boundaries. Her partnership with Rawal was instrumental in securing India’s victory, as the duo cemented a crucial 116-run stand that helped India chase down the target in just 35 overs.
Tejal and Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on the crease, assisting India to clinch the match with 15 overs to spare. Aimee Maguire led the Irish bowling attack with a three-wicket haul, but it was insufficient to restrict the given target.
Pratika Rawal was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for her outstanding innings, which played a significant role in India’s victory. The win gives India Women a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, setting the stage for an exciting second ODI on January 12 at the same venue.
India Women will look to build on this momentum, aiming to continue their winning streak against Ireland. The series promises competitive cricket and an opportunity for players to showcase their skills on the international stage. With both teams eager to make their mark in this historic bilateral series, fans can expect thrilling matches ahead.
In conclusion, the first ODI between India Women and Ireland Women was a testament to the growing prowess of women’s cricket in India. The outstanding performances by Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis have set the tone for the series, and India Women will be keen to maintain their winning streak as they face Ireland in the second match. The cricketing world is eagerly watching this series, and with such exciting matches on the horizon, it promises to be an unforgettable journey for both teams.
