The India Women’s cricket team scripted history in their third ODI against Ireland, breaking multiple records and setting new benchmarks in the sport. On a day that will be etched in the annals of cricket, India not only surpassed their own highest ODI total but also delivered one of the most dominating performances in the format’s history.
Breaching the 400-Run Barrier
India Women made a statement by scoring a colossal 435/5, becoming the third team in Women’s ODIs to cross the 400-run mark. This score eclipsed their previous best of 370/5 recorded just days earlier, and it is now the highest ODI total for India—across both Men’s and Women’s cricket. The feat places them in elite company alongside New Zealand and Australia, who have achieved similar milestones in the past.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal: A Dynamic Duo
The opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal was nothing short of spectacular. The pair added 233 runs in just 26.4 overs, making it the third-highest partnership for India Women in ODIs. Their scoring rate of 8.73 runs per over is among the fastest for double-century stands in Women’s cricket history.
Key Stats from Mandhana and Rawal’s Stand:
- Fastest individual hundred: Mandhana reached her century in just 70 balls, the fastest by an Indian in Women’s ODIs.
- Highest score for Rawal: Pratika Rawal smashed 154, the third-highest individual score for India in the format.
Their partnership continues to grow in stature, with four century stands in just six innings, showcasing their dominance at the top of the order.
India’s Dominance Against Ireland
India’s margin of victory—304 runs—against Ireland was their largest ever in ODIs, further cementing their superiority. Of the eight 300-plus victories recorded in Women’s ODIs, four have come against Ireland.
Boundary Blitz:
India smashed a total of 57 boundaries (48 fours and nine sixes) in the innings, the third-highest boundary count in Women’s ODIs. Mandhana alone accounted for seven sixes, equaling Harmanpreet Kaur’s record for the most by an Indian batter in an ODI innings.
Records Galore
The day also saw Pratika Rawal continue her meteoric rise in international cricket:
- Her 444 runs from six innings is the highest aggregate for any player in their first six ODI appearances.
- Her strike rate of 95.68 and average of 74 highlight her consistency and aggression.
Mandhana, meanwhile, joined an elite group with her 10th ODI hundred, tied for the third-most in Women’s ODIs alongside Tammy Beaumont.
Looking Ahead
India Women’s recent performances underline their growing stature in international cricket. With world-class players like Mandhana, Rawal, and others in their ranks, the team looks poised for further success in the coming tournaments.
As records continue to tumble, Indian cricket fans have much to celebrate and look forward to.