The Indian women's cricket team rode on Jemimah Rodrigues' century bulldozed Ireland by 116 runs in the second ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on January 12. With this India clinched the three-match ODI series against Ireland 2-0 with a match to spare.
Batting first, India amassed a formidable total of 370/5. In response, Ireland fell short, managing only 254/7 in their 50 overs.
India got off to a cracking start as captain Smriti Mandhana (73) combined with Pratika Rawal (67) to forged a 156-run opening partnership to set the tone of hosts' innings. Mandhana, playing with an aggressive T20-like approach, scored 73 runs off 54 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes. Rawal provided solid support with a well-compiled 67 runs off 61 deliveries. This strong opening partnership laid the foundation for India's colossal total.
Jemimah Rodrigues tonks splendid century in India's series-clinching win
Jemimah Rodrigues walked into the crease after Mandhana's dismissal and ran riot with the bat. Rodrigues anchored the middle order with a brilliant century of 102 runs from 91 balls riding on 12 boundaries. Harleen Deol provided crucial support with 89 runs, while Richa Ghosh contributed a quickfire 10 runs towards the end. Ireland's bowlers struggled to limit the Indian batters, failing to consistently pick up wickets. India ended up scripting history after posting a colossal total of 370/5 which is their highest in women's ODIs. Their previous highest total was 358/2 which came against Ireland in 2017 and 358/5 in their previous ODI series against West Indies last month.
Facing a challenging target of 371 runs, Ireland attempted a steady chase but struggled to maintain the required run rate. Christina Coulter Reilly top-scored with a gritty 80 runs from 113 balls, while Laura Delany contributed a valuable 37 runs. However, the Indian bowlers consistently disrupted Ireland's partnerships, preventing them from building any momentum.
Deepti Sharma spearheaded India's bowling attack, claiming three wickets for 37 runs in her 10 overs. Priya Mishra played a crucial role, picking up two wickets, including the important dismissals of Reilly and Ava Canning. Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare contributed with a wicket each. This disciplined bowling performance restricted Ireland to 254/7 in their 50 overs, well short of the target. Having already secured the series, India will aim to complete a clean sweep in the third ODI, scheduled for January 15th.