India Women’s cricket team capped off a remarkable series with a dominant performance against Ireland in the third and final ODI at Rajkot on Wednesday. Building on their historic first-innings total of 435-5, the Indian bowlers delivered an equally commanding performance to bundle Ireland out for a mere 131, clinching victory by a staggering 304 runs.

The match was a showcase of India’s all-around dominance, led by skipper Smriti Mandhana and rising star Pratika Rawal. The duo’s centuries in the first innings – Mandhana’s elegant 135 and Rawal’s explosive 154 – powered India to their highest-ever ODI total and their first time crossing the 400-run mark in women’s ODI cricket.

Ireland’s chase was fraught with challenges from the outset, as Indian bowlers struck early and consistently. Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani, making their returns to the playing XI, proved instrumental in dismantling the Irish batting order. Ireland found themselves at 131-10 after 31.4 overs, with little resistance from their middle and lower order.

Social media erupted with praise for the Indian team, with fans celebrating the milestone victory. One user on X (formerly Twitter) exclaimed, “TEAM INDIA CREATED HISTORY AT RAJKOT 🚨 – INDIA WOMEN’S TEAM FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER SCORED 400+ RUNS TOTAL IN ODI CRICKET HISTORY.” Another post added, “For the first time ever, India W have crossed 400 in ODIs 🥵🥵.”

This match marked a complete whitewash for the hosts, who won the three-match series 3-0. Beyond the numbers, the series showcased the depth and talent of the Indian Women’s team, signaling their growing strength on the global stage.

India’s commanding performance was a testament to their preparation and execution throughout the series. The batting display, headlined by Pratika Rawal’s 154 and Smriti Mandhana’s 135, set the tone for the match and ensured India had a near-unassailable total on the board. Supported by Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 59, the team’s aggressive approach showcased their intent to dominate the game from the outset.

The bowlers complemented the batting efforts with a disciplined and clinical display, dismantling Ireland’s batting lineup with precision. Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani, making impactful returns to the XI, led the charge alongside the regular bowling attack. Ireland’s struggles against India’s varied bowling arsenal highlighted the gulf in performance levels between the two teams on the day.

With this emphatic win, India Women have not only solidified their dominance in the series but have also sent a strong message to their global counterparts as they continue their journey toward becoming a powerhouse in women’s cricket.

Young Indian opener Pratika Rawal left fans and cricket pundits in awe with her spectacular performance during the third ODI against Ireland at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, on January 15. Rawal, a psychology student, showcased her remarkable talent with a maiden century, scoring a breathtaking 154 off 129 balls. Her innings included 20 fours and a six, and she formed a colossal 233-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana.

This stunning knock places Rawal among the elite in Indian women’s cricket as she registered the third-highest individual score in ODIs by an Indian woman, following Deepti Sharma’s 188 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 171.

A blazing start
Rawal got her innings off to a flying start, hitting three consecutive boundaries against Orla Pendergast in the third over. She displayed impeccable timing and control, reaching her half-century off just 52 balls. Her partnership with Mandhana flourished, marking their fourth century stand in just six innings together.

Milestone moments
Rawal reached her maiden ODI century in the 35th over with a single against Ava Canning. Post the milestone, she shifted gears, taking only 27 more deliveries to cross the 150-run mark. Her aggressive approach and clean hitting left the Irish bowlers struggling to contain her. However, her remarkable innings ended when she attempted a big shot off Freya Sargent and was caught at long off by Georgia Dempsey.

Breaking records
Rawal’s outstanding knock earned her a standing ovation from the Rajkot crowd. With 444 runs in just six innings, she now holds the record for the most runs scored by a player in their first six Women’s ODI innings. Her current ODI statistics include an impressive average of 74, featuring one century and three half-centuries.

Pratika Rawal’s extraordinary form has not only solidified her place in the Indian team but has also made her one of the most exciting prospects in international women’s cricket. Fans and analysts are eager to see what the future holds for this rising star.

England squandered a prime opportunity to level the Women’s Ashes series, losing to Australia by 21 runs in a dramatic second ODI at the Junction Oval, Melbourne. Chasing a modest target of 181, England faltered to 159 all out, handing Australia a 4-0 lead in the multi-format series.

With just 22 runs needed and one wicket in hand, England’s hopes rested on Lauren Bell and Amy Jones. However, Bell was bowled by Megan Schutt for one in the penultimate over, completing a collapse from 120-5. Jones remained unbeaten on 47, but a tactical misstep marred England’s chances when Jones failed to capitalize on a free hit following Annabel Sutherland’s removal from the attack for bowling two no-balls in the 48th over.

England’s bowlers had set the stage for a memorable win by dismantling Australia for 180 in 44.3 overs. Sophie Ecclestone excelled with figures of 4-35, while Alice Capsey added 3-22, including the crucial wicket of Ellyse Perry, who top-scored with a composed 60 off 74 balls. Despite Australia losing eight wickets for just 49 runs, England could not capitalize on the opportunity.

The visitors began their chase solidly but suffered a similar collapse. Reduced from 68-2 to 120-5, their batting lineup failed to withstand the pressure. Alana King proved instrumental for Australia, claiming 4-25 to derail England’s innings.

This defeat is a bitter pill for England, whose tactical lapses in high-pressure situations raised concerns ahead of the series’ conclusion. With the final ODI set for January 16 in Hobart, followed by three T20 matches and a one-off Test, England faces an uphill battle to keep their Ashes hopes alive.