India registered a a comfortable six-wicket win 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). Under the direction of Smriti MandhanaIndia managed to chase down Ireland's target of 239 with 93 balls to spare. Pratika Rawalhe made 89 and Tejal Hasabnis' Quick-fire 53 not out helped ensure the team's victory. Former Ireland captain Gabby Lewis he played a brave 92, helping him post a respectable 238/7.
The successful partnership of Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis
Rawal's stunning innings of 89 runs off 96 balls stood as the cornerstone of India Women's successful run against Ireland in the first ODI in Rajkot. Opening alongside Mandhana, Rawal showed his class with a well-rounded but effective performance. His innings, with 10 boundaries and a six, assured India a crucial lead despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
He showed good shot selection and versatility, controlling speed and spinning with ease. Rawal's 116-run partnership with Tejal Hasabnis for the fourth wicket proved to be a surefire, sustained India after a mid-wicket collapse. His ability to find gaps and get around the scale allows him to hit power occasionally, leaving the Irish bowlers struggling to find answers.
Gaby Lewis anchors Ireland's innings
Earlier, Ireland captain Lewis led the way with a brilliant knock of 92 off 129 balls, which provided a solid platform for his team. Lewis' innings was marked by his ability to hold one side while accumulating beautiful drives and timely cuts. He got help from Leah Paulowho gave away a crucial 59 runs in their 117-run stand for the fifth wicket.
However, Ireland's failure to take advantage of this combination at the death has cost them dearly. Lewis fell in the 44th over, trying to chase, leaving the Irish low-order with a lot to do. Despite their efforts, a lack of boundaries in the final overs saw Ireland reach 238/7, which looked inadequate against the Indian batting.
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All India Bowling
India's batsmen did well to keep Ireland fit. Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma set the tone with the early wickets, right Priya Mishra he emerged as the standout of the ball with figures of 2/56, including the crucial dismissal of Lewis. Sayali Satghareon his WODI debut, he impressed with his fortunes, conceding just 43 runs in his 10 overs and taking a wicket.
The bowlers were aided by some sharp efforts, including two difficult runouts that prevented Ireland from taking control. Despite some difficulties in line and length, the Indian bowlers adapted well to the conditions and kept the pressure on throughout. This collective effort kept Ireland's batsmen off their pace in the final, sparking a chase for the hosts.
Here's how Twitter did it:
Richa finishes with a boundary. A complete victory for India. Ireland was never fully on board for what the song was about. They got off to a good start with Mandhana and then Pratika and Tejal did well to ensure no trouble after two wickets fell in quick succession. #INDVIRE
– Kartik O πβ½π (@KOCricket528) January 10, 2025
The way Pratika Rawal worked hard, Shafali Verma has to work hard to regain her role. #Yes
β Leishemba Rajkumar (@leishembaa) January 10, 2025
Pratika Rawal is also included in the Indian Women's team, a consistent and successful ODI batsman, she should also be in the Test set!#INDVIRE #INDWvIREW
– Harsh Tegta (@iamharshgetta) January 10, 2025
Brilliant batting from Team India ππ#women #cricket #PratikaRawal #INDVIRE pic.twitter.com/Z01S2NsiST
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 10, 2025
We asked ΡΠΎΠ΄ΡΠΎΠ΄ to beat, and #TeamIndia delivered! π₯
Pratika 89 π€ Tejal 53*#AaliRe #INDVIRE pic.twitter.com/N1q6Q9kob9
– Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 10, 2025
Indian women are creating beautiful patterns of needlework and handloom.
β Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 10, 2025
The best of Tejal.
– Krithika (@kritika0808) January 10, 2025
India are now assured of second place in the ICC Women's Championship
It's easy to do very well considering how competitive this edition has been#INDVIRE
– Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) January 10, 2025
Pratika Rawal Played Well With Tejal Hasabnis. Both Anchored The Innings & Made Sure Team India Win 1st ODI. #INDWvsIREW
– Gaurang Mestry (@Gaurang321) January 10, 2025
That's right. India will take Game One of the three matches. Despite the results, there is still much to add to our team.
Join us again on Sunday morning for the second ODI.#BackingGreen #FuelledByCerta βοΈπ pic.twitter.com/uplrxtTQJb
– Women's Cricket in Ireland (@IrishWomensCric) January 10, 2025
Also READ: IND-W vs IRE-W 2025, ODI series: Broadcast Details and Live Streaming – When and where to watch in India, Ireland, Australia, USA and other countries
This article was originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.