India
India comfortably chased down Ireland’s target of 239 in the first ODI in Rajkot, powered by an outstanding 116-run stand between Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis. Their partnership propelled India to a six-wicket victory, putting them 1-0 up in the series. Despite a brief middle-order wobble, Rawal and Hasabnis steered the chase home with composure, ensuring India’s dominance on the opening day of the series.
Rawal and Hasabnis Steady the Ship After a Brief Collapse
India’s chase started confidently with Smriti Mandhana (41) and Rawal putting on a solid 70-run partnership for the opening wicket. While Mandhana played her usual steady role at the top, Rawal looked increasingly comfortable in her second ODI series, continuing her impressive initiation into international cricket. Her elegant stroke play, combined with her maturity at the crease, saw her rapidly settle into the game, accumulating a second half-century in just four innings.
However, India’s chase hit a minor hiccup after the departure of both Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues in quick succession. With India at 125-3, Rawal found herself briefly under pressure. But she wasn’t alone in the middle. Enter Hasabnis, another young talent, who stepped up in her fourth ODI with a fearless approach to batting.
Hasabnis, who had been on the bench during the West Indies ODIs last month, was handed the chance to make her mark due to the absence of captain Harmanpreet Kaur. She seized the opportunity with both hands, playing an aggressive brand of cricket that belied her inexperience at this level. Hasabnis took only 43 balls to bring up her maiden ODI half-century, finishing unbeaten on 53. Her confident shots, including several sixes and boundaries, complemented Rawal’s more measured approach, and together they formed a potent partnership.
Rawal’s Aggression and Near-Century
As the chase progressed, Rawal, already in the 80s, began to show increasing intent to accelerate the run rate. She had her eyes firmly set on a maiden ODI century, and it looked inevitable that she would reach the landmark. However, with just 25 runs needed for victory, Rawal’s charge towards the three-figure mark was thwarted.
In an aggressive attempt to loft left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire over the boundary, Rawal struck the ball well but mistimed it, and Orla Prendergast completed an excellent catch inches from the boundary, sending Rawal back to the dressing room for 89. While Rawal fell agonizingly short of a century, her contribution had already played a pivotal role in India’s chase, ensuring that the required runs were manageable for the rest of the batting lineup.
Hasabnis Finishes the Job with Flair
After Rawal’s dismissal, India needed just 21 more runs to seal the victory. Hasabnis, unperturbed by the loss of her partner, continued her aggressive stroke play. She finished the match in style, scoring a flurry of boundaries, and guiding India home with an unbeaten 53. Her performance, in just her fourth ODI, was a testament to the fearless cricket the young player brings to the table.
India’s chase was not entirely straightforward, but the partnership between Rawal and Hasabnis made sure there was never any doubt about the outcome. The two rookies displayed immense maturity and confidence, which contrasted with a strong Irish performance earlier in the day.
Ireland’s Resilient Batting Falls Short
Earlier, Ireland’s batting had shown resilience as well. Top-order batswoman Gaby Lewis played an outstanding knock of 92, anchoring Ireland’s innings, and was supported by Harry Tector, who contributed 59. However, their efforts were not enough to put India under significant pressure. Despite some late resistance, including a cameo from Laura Delany, Ireland was restricted to 238 for 7 in their 50 overs, a target that ultimately proved too small.
Mishra (2-56) was the pick of India’s bowlers, breaking crucial partnerships in the middle overs and applying pressure throughout Ireland’s innings. Although the chase didn’t always look smooth, the spinners kept a lid on the scoring rate, and the Indian fielders displayed sharpness and energy to halt Ireland’s progress.
Conclusion: A Promising Start for India
India’s comfortable six-wicket victory in Rajkot provided a promising start to the series, and the contributions of Rawal and Hasabnis were the highlights of the day. Both players, making their mark on the international stage, showed maturity beyond their years. Rawal’s near-century and Hasabnis’s explosive finish highlighted the depth in India’s batting lineup, with young talent eager to make their presence felt.
With India now leading 1-0 in the three-match ODI series, they will be confident heading into the next game. Ireland, while showing flashes of brilliance, will need to find a way to counter India’s in-form middle order and strengthen their batting in the upcoming fixtures.
