New Delhi: The Smriti Mandhana-led Indian women’s team produced a dominant batting display to post their highest-ever ODI total in the 2nd ODI against Ireland in Rajkot on Sunday. Mandhana led from the front with a cracking knock of 73 runs before a brilliant century from Jemimah Rodrigues powered India to 370/5 in 50 overs, their highest total in women’s ODIs.
Rodrigues looked in fabulous touch as she top-scored for the hosts with 102 off 91 balls laced with 12 fours. It was Rodrigues’ maiden international ton for India. The India no.4 combined with Harleen Deol to share a 183-run stand for the third wicket and propel the hosts to their highest-ever total in women’s ODIs. It was a stellar batting display from the hosts, who dominated the proceedings from the word go after opting to bat first in the game.
Openers Mandhana and Pratika Rawal provided the team with a strong start at the top as they notched up half-centuries apiece en route to a 156-run stand for the first wicket. While Mandhana scored 73 off 54 balls studded with 10 fours and 2 sixes to complete her 30th fifty in women’s ODIs, Rawala continued her impressive run with 67 off 61 balls.
The duo set the stage for a huge total for India with their fiery start. However, the hosts did stutter a bit after losing both their openers in quick succession on the same score of 156. However, Jemiamh and Harleen combined to ensure the momentum was continued with their big partnership for the third wicket.
India break own record against Ireland
India broke their own record for their highest ODI total against Ireland in Rajkot. Their previous highest total was 358/2 which came in an ODI against Ireland women in Potchefstroom in May 2017. However, India’s record 358 is far from the top ten highest totals in the history of Women’s ODIs. New Zealand’s 491/4 against Ireland in Dublin in 2018 remains the highest-ever total by any team in women’s ODIs.
Australia are the only other team to have breached the 400-run mark in women’s ODIs apart from New Zealand. Meanwhile, India will be looking to successfully defend their record total and seal the three-match series with their second consecutive win against Ireland in the 2nd ODI in Rajkot on Sunday.
India rode on a brilliant century from Jemimah Rodrigues and fifties from Harleen Deol, skipper Smriti Mandhana and opener Pratika Rawal to post their highest-ever total in the 2nd ODI against Ireland in Rajkot on Sunday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
