The Indian women’s cricket team won the first ODI against Ireland by six wickets at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. With this victory, India leads the three-match series 1-0.
Ireland batted first, setting a target of 239 runs. Captain Gaby Lewis was their top scorer with 92 runs, while Leah Paul added 59 runs. Priya Mishra picked up two wickets for India, while Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma took one each.
In reply, India chased down the target with ease. Pratika Rawal was the star performer, scoring 89 runs and winning the Player of the Match award. Smriti Mandhana contributed with 41 runs before both players were dismissed. Tejal Hasabnis played a brilliant knock of 53* off 46 balls, ensuring India reached the target with 93 balls to spare.
Playing XI:
- India Women: Smriti Mandhana (c), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Richa Ghosh (w), Deepti Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Titas Sadhu
- Ireland Women: Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Una Raymond-Hoey, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Coulter Reilly (w), Arlene Kelly, Georgina Dempsey, Freya Sargent, Aimee Maguire
Earlier, India had completed a 3-0 clean sweep over the West Indies in the ODI series and won the T20 series 2-1.
The Irish team, known for its strong all-rounders, will rely heavily on Orla Prendergast. With experience in Australia and the WBBL, she is expected to play a key role against India in the upcoming matches.
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