Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
The much-anticipated 2nd ODI between India Women and Ireland Women is underway at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. After a stunning performance in the first ODI, the Smriti Mandhana-led Indian team is aiming to clinch the series with a victory today. Ireland, on the other hand, will look to bounce back strongly and level the series.
India set an imposing target of 371 runs in their innings, thanks to a record-breaking batting performance. Jemimah Rodrigues stole the show with her maiden ODI century, smashing a fantastic 102 off 91 balls. Her innings was a masterclass in timing and precision, filled with exquisite boundaries and well-placed singles. She received tremendous support from Harleen Deol, who played a brilliant knock of 89 runs, just 11 runs short of her first international hundred.
The captain, Smriti Mandhana, led from the front, scoring an elegant 73 runs at the top of the order. Her innings set the tone for India’s dominance, and she built crucial partnerships with the other batters. Pratika Rawal also contributed significantly, scoring a well-crafted 67, showcasing her ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed.
India’s total of 370/5 is their highest ever in ODI history, a testament to the depth and firepower of their batting lineup. It was a complete team effort, with every batter stepping up to contribute. The Irish bowlers, led by captain Gaby Lewis, struggled to contain the onslaught from the Indian batters but showed resilience in the middle overs.
Ireland now faces a monumental task of chasing down 371 runs. Their openers, Sarah Forbes and captain Gaby Lewis, will need to provide a strong start to give their team a fighting chance. The key for Ireland will be to build partnerships and keep up with the required run rate. Players like Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany, known for their ability to play under pressure, will play a crucial role in the middle order.
In the series opener on Friday (January 10), India secured a comfortable six-wicket victory by chasing down Ireland’s target of 239 runs in just 34.3 overs. The Indian team showcased their dominance with both bat and ball, highlighting why they are one of the strongest sides in women’s cricket today.
A win today will secure the series for India, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead. For Ireland, this match is a chance to show their fighting spirit and push the series into a decider.
India Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana (C), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Titas Sadhu
Ireland Playing XI: Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Coulter Reilly (WK), Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Freya Sargent, Alana Dalzell
Stay tuned for live ball-by-ball updates, insightful commentary, and key moments as the action unfolds. Don’t miss this thrilling clash between two determined teams vying for glory!
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