India's Women's One Day International team extended its impressive performance streak with a decisive six-wicket victory over Ireland in the opening match of the three-match series held in Rajkot. This win not only reinforces India's dominance in the format but also highlights the depth of talent within the squad, even in the absence of key players.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the regular captain, and fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur were unavailable for this encounter. However, their absence did not hinder India's performance on the field. The Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by medium pacer Titas Sadhu, made significant early inroads. Sadhu successfully dismissed opener Sarah Forbes, setting the tone for a strong bowling display. In what proved to be a remarkable introduction for Priya Mishra, she took two quick wickets, dismissing Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany in consecutive deliveries. This flurry of early wickets reduced Ireland to a precarious position at 56 for four within the initial 15 overs, showcasing India's capability to capitalize on early advantages.
Despite the early setbacks, the Irish side demonstrated resilience through the efforts of captain Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul. The duo constructed a substantial partnership, adding 115 runs for the sixth wicket over the course of 170 balls. Their efforts were partly helped by some lapses in fielding from the Indian side. Notable opportunities were missed by stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol, along with several ground fielding errors that could have further curtailed the Irish innings.
However, the turning point for India came when Paul was run out after scoring a commendable 59. This pivotal moment marked a shift in momentum, enabling the Indian bowlers to regroup and contain the scoring rate effectively. Eventually, Ireland concluded their innings with a total of 238 runs for the loss of seven wickets over the full 50 overs. Gaby Lewis emerged as the top scorer for her side, crafting an impressive 92 runs from 129 deliveries before being dismissed by Deepti Sharma. Both Sharma and Saima Thakor made vital contributions, while debutant Sayali Satghare also made her mark by claiming a wicket in her final over.
Chasing a target of 239 runs, India never showed signs of discomfort. Smriti Mandhana set an aggressive tone from the start, scoring 41 runs off just 29 balls, which included a significant milestone as she crossed the 4000-run mark in Women's ODIs. Mandhana’s early heroics provided India with a solid launching pad, but her dismissal led the way for Pratika Rawal, who stepped up with an outstanding performance. Rawal crafted her finest innings to date, scoring 89 runs off 96 balls, showcasing her ability to anchor the innings.
Despite a brief wobble in the Indian batting order when Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues were dismissed in quick succession, the team's resolve remained evident. Tejal Hasabnis played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, finishing unbeaten on 53 runs from 46 balls. As the match progressed towards its conclusion, the pressure intensified, especially after Rawal's departure with just seven runs required for victory. Yet, Richa Ghosh entered the scene with a sense of urgency, swiftly hitting two boundaries that culminated in sealing the match for India.
With this victory, India has positioned itself favorably in the series, and attention now shifts to the second ODI set to take place in Rajkot on January 12. The Indian team will be keen to capitalize on this momentum and aim for another win that would secure the series victory. The depth in talent displayed in this encounter gives India an advantageous edge moving forward, as the team continues to build on its winning legacy in Women's cricket.