India Women showcased a dominant performance in the second ODI against Ireland Women at Rajkot, winning by 116 runs to seal the three-match series 2-0 with one game still to play. Jemimah Rodrigues’ maiden international century was the standout moment in India’s impressive innings, which was bolstered by solid contributions across the top order.
Opting to bat first on a flat pitch, the Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, made a blazing start, putting on a 156-run partnership in just 19 overs. Mandhana’s 73 runs off 54 balls, with 10 fours and 2 sixes, and Rawal’s 67 set the tone for a big total. However, both players were dismissed off consecutive deliveries, giving Ireland a slight opening to stem the flow of runs.
Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues then steadied the ship. Deol played an impressive knock of 89 runs off 84 balls, while Rodrigues, after a slow start, picked up the pace in the latter stages of her innings. Rodrigues’ superb century—102 runs off 91 balls, including 12 boundaries—guided India to their highest-ever ODI total of 370/5. The lower order added a crucial 102 runs in the final 10 overs, further extending the Indian total.
Ireland’s bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Georgina Dempsey being the standout performer, taking 1 wicket for 42 runs from 8 overs. Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly each took two wickets, but both were costly in terms of runs conceded.
In reply, Ireland never looked likely to chase down the steep target. Openers Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis started cautiously, but Lewis’ dismissal for just 12 in the eighth over tilted the game in India’s favor. A fourth-wicket partnership between Coulter Reilly (80 off 113 balls) and Laura Delany (37 off 36 balls) provided some resistance, with Reilly notching up her maiden half-century. However, the Indian bowlers kept the pressure on, maintaining control throughout the chase. Deepti Sharma was the standout with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs. Priya Mishra and Sayali Satghare supported well, claiming two wickets each.
While Leah Paul’s unbeaten 27 and some late-order resistance helped Ireland reach 254/7 in 50 overs, the target remained out of reach.
India’s all-around performance clinched the series and demonstrated their batting depth and disciplined bowling. Jemimah Rodrigues’ century earned her the Player of the Match award. The final ODI will see India aiming for a clean sweep, while Ireland will be looking to salvage some pride with a win.
