IND-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI: India Women are in action against Ireland Women in Rajkot. Photo: X/BCCIWomen IND-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI: India Women are in action against Ireland Women in Rajkot. Photo: X/BCCIWomen

India Women began their ICC Women’s Championship series against Ireland on a winning noterbet, securing a dominant 6-wicket victory in the first ODI on January 10, Friday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. (Match Highlights | More Cricket News)

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Ireland posted a respectable total of 238/7 in their 50 overs. Captain Gaby Lewis anchored the innings with a superb knock of 92 off 129 balls, including fifteen boundaries. She was well-supported by Leah Paul, who contributed a crucial 59 off 73.

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Ireland’s struggled initially, with wickets falling regularly in the powerplay. Priya Mishra’s double strike in the 13th over, dismissing Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany, left Ireland reeling at 56/4. A spirited 117-run partnership between Lewis and Paul steadied the ship. Late cameos from Arlene Kelly (28 off 25) and Georgina Dempsey (6* off 31) added valuable runs.

For India, Priya Mishra (2/56) and Deepti Sharma (1/41) were the standout bowlers, while Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare also picked up a wicket each.

In reply, India chased down the target with ease, reaching 241/4 in just 34.3 overs. Captain Smriti Mandhana set the tone with a blistering 41 off 29 balls, including six boundaries and one six. Pratika Rawal followed up with an impressive knock of 89 off 96 balls, forming key partnerships with Harleen Deol (20) and Jemimah Rodrigues (9).

Tejal Hasabnis emerged out as star in the chase, who smashed an unbeaten 53 off 46 balls to guide India home. Richa Ghosh chipped in with a steady 8 off 2 deliveries.

Ireland’s Aimee Maguire tried to stem the flow of runs with figures of 3/57, but the Indian batters proved too strong for the visitors.

India desperately sought an equalizer. They even disposed of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh in the quest for a late goal. The push continued till the very last second of the match, when Shamsher Singh had a clear shot at goal but his strike went over the bar.

"That was a difficult match, we got our chances but could not convert them, that's it. Then you can see it in the scoreline. It's a matter of homework," India's long-time goalkeeper Sreejesh said after the close defeat.

The series carries ICC Women's Championship importance for the Ireland women, who need qualifier points in order to qualify for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. India, already qualified as hosts, will take up this series as vital WC preparation.

This was the first time when India women and Ireland women met in an ODI match after eight long years. The last time they had faced each other was in May 2017, in a Quadrangular Series in South Africa.

India, the hosts of the 2025 World Cup later this year, were already on a high after beating the visiting West Indies 3-0. On the contrary, Ireland were coming on the back of 0-3 loss to Bangladesh last month in the same format.

With this victory, India earned valuable points in the ICC Women’s Championshiprbet, while Ireland will look to bounce back in the second ODI set to unfold on January 12, Sun.