India women’s cricket team achieved a historic victory against Ireland in the 3rd ODI of their series, securing their largest-ever win by runs. Opting to bat first, India amassed a record total of 435 for five in their 50 overs. Pratika Rawal was the standout performer, scoring a remarkable 154 off 129 balls. Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana also made headlines by scoring India’s fastest ODI century in women’s cricket, while Richa Ghosh contributed a rapid 59.
In response, Ireland struggled to build momentum and was bowled out for 131. Orla Prendergast and Sarah Forbes provided some resistance with a 64-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but Forbes’ dismissal triggered a collapse in the lower order. The final wicket fell when Freya Sargent was caught at mid-off by Deepti Sharma, sealing the record-breaking defeat for Ireland.
This victory surpassed India’s previous largest margin of victory, a 249-run win against Ireland in Potchefstroom in 2017. The win in Rajkot not only highlighted India’s dominance but also showcased the team’s depth and talent, with multiple players contributing significantly to the win.
The match was a testament to India’s growing prowess in women’s cricket, with players like Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana setting new benchmarks. The team’s performance in this series will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage.
