India Cruise to Easy Win Against Ireland in First ODI of Series

In a one-sided contest, India defeated Ireland by six wickets in the first ODI of their three-match series, played at Rajkot. In pursuit of 239, India achieved the target in just 34.3 overs, which left them with more than 15 overs when they crossed the required runs. This win has given India an initial 1-0 lead in the series.

The Irish team batted first. It was to face early trouble losing two key wickets in the first PowerPlay of the game, which marked the tone of the innings. The opening bowlers for India were Titas Sadhu and Priya Mishra, who didn't let much time pass before capitalizing on the conditions. In her first spell, Sadhu sent back Sarah Forbes, who edged the ball towards first slip. Shortly after that, Una Raymond-Hoey was run out by a fantastic throw from Jemimah Rodrigues. Mishra followed it up by striking twice in quick succession: Orla Prendergast was stumped, and Laura Delany was bowled out, taking Ireland to an alarming 56/4.

Although early wickets meant that the game was far from over, Ireland's captain, Gaby Lewis, and Leah Paul were resilient and helped stabilize things. The partnership added 117 runs to the innings and helped Ireland reach a score that looked competitive. When Paul was dropped twice on 59, she continued to add to her partnership with Lewis. Their stand almost reached 25 overs, forcing India to dig deep for wickets.

Lewis, who played a captain's knock, brought up her half-century off 75 balls, showcasing her aggressive style with 15 boundaries in her 129-ball 92. However, her attempt at a century was cut short when she handed a return catch to Deepti Sharma. By then, Ireland had navigated through their early struggles and set a target that was challenging but within India's reach.

Further contributions from Arlene Kelly, who scored a quick-fire 28 runs towards the end, helped Ireland finish at 238/7. This total was a much-needed boost, especially after their early collapse. India's debutant bowler, Sayali Satghare, put in an impressive performance, returning figures of 1/43, with her only wicket being that of Kelly.

When the Indians started their pursuit, they took an early grip with a solid opening stand. Playing with authority, by virtue of being the stand-in captain in the absence of the usual skipper, Smriti Mandhana made a whirlwind knock for 41 from 29 deliveries. Her aggressive knock comprised six fours and a six, hit over deep square leg off a full toss from Georgina Dempsey.

Mandhana's departure in the final over of the PowerPlay, when she top-edged one off Freya Sargent, didn't disturb the momentum of India. Rawal, the anchor of the innings, continued to steady the ship. She brought up her half-century off 70 balls, showing composure and precision. Rawal's partnership with Tejal Hasabnis proved crucial as they put together a stand that brought India closer to victory.

India's wickets went in the middle overs, losing Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues back to back. The latter's wicket went to Aimee Maguire. India didn't lose further control. This is where Hasabnis stood tall, walking into the situation when it really mattered. Playing a match-winning knock of 53* off 46 balls, she got India home at ease.

Despite Maguire's best attempts at the ball, taking three wickets, the total for Ireland was still short of pressuring India. The chase for India was clinical with Rawal and Hasabnis seeing to it that the target was achieved without a hitch.

Summary

India easily chased 238/7 of Ireland led by Pratika Rawal's 89 and Tejal Hasabnis's quickfire 53. With the bowlers, especially Titas Sadhu and Priya Mishra, striking early and the fielders backing them up with sharp run-outs, India dominated all departments. Ireland's spirited fightback through Gaby Lewis's 92 and Leah Paul's 59 was commendable, but ultimately, India's experience and skill shone through in the first ODI, as they secured a six-wicket victory.

Brief Scores:

Ireland 238/7 (Gaby Lewis 92, Priya Mishra 2-56)

India 241/4 in 34.3 overs (Pratika Rawal 89, Tejal Hasabnis 53, Aimee Maguire 3-57)*

India won by 6 wickets.