Cricket is more than just a game in India—it’s a passion that unites millions. When the India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Match Scorecard in a three-match ODI series in January 2025, it was a chance for fans to witness some exciting cricket. Played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, this series showcased India’s dominance and Ireland’s fighting spirit. Let’s dive into the story of this series, breaking down each match, highlighting key performances, and presenting a detailed scorecard for each game in a way that’s easy for anyone to follow.
The Build-Up to the Series
The India Women’s team, led by the dynamic Smriti Mandhana, came into the series on a high after a strong performance against the West Indies. With a mix of experienced players like Mandhana and Deepti Sharma and young talents like Pratika Rawal, India was eager to continue their winning momentum. Ireland, under the leadership of Gaby Lewis, brought a squad with promising all-rounders like Orla Prendergast, fresh from experience in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League. While Ireland was the underdog, their determination to challenge the formidable Indian side added intrigue to the series.
The matches, part of the ICC Women’s Championship, were crucial for both teams. For India, it was about solidifying their position at the top. For Ireland, it was a chance to gain valuable experience and make a mark. The stage was set in Rajkot, with a lively crowd and a pitch known for favoring batters, promising high-scoring encounters.
First ODI: India’s Convincing Six-Wicket Win
The series kicked off on January 10, 2025, with Ireland winning the toss and choosing to bat. Their innings started steadily, but India’s bowlers, led by young Priya Mishra, kept things tight. Gaby Lewis played a captain’s knock, scoring 92 runs off her bat, while Leah Paul contributed a solid 59. Arlene Kelly chipped in with 28, helping Ireland reach a respectable 238/7 in their 50 overs. Mishra was the standout bowler for India, taking 2 wickets for 56 runs, while Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma each claimed one.
Chasing 239, India got off to a flying start. Smriti Mandhana smashed 41 off just 29 balls, setting the tone. Pratika Rawal anchored the innings with a composed 89, earning her the Player of the Match award. Despite a brief wobble in the middle, Tejal Hasabnis (53 not out) and Richa Ghosh (8 not out) steered India to victory in just 34.3 overs, winning by six wickets with 15 overs to spare. Ireland’s Aimee Maguire took 3 wickets, but it wasn’t enough to stop India’s batting firepower.
This win gave India a 1-0 lead and showcased their depth in both batting and bowling. For Ireland, it was a learning curve, but their competitive total showed they weren’t here to roll over.
First ODI India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
|
Team |
Innings |
Score |
Overs |
Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ireland Women |
1st |
238/7 | 50.0 |
Gaby Lewis (92), Leah Paul (59), Arlene Kelly (28) |
|
Priya Mishra (2/56), Titas Sadhu (1), Deepti Sharma (1) |
||||
|
India Women |
1st |
241/4 | 34.3 |
Pratika Rawal (89), Tejal Hasabnis (53*), Smriti Mandhana (41) |
|
Aimee Maguire (3/57) |
Result: India Women won by 6 wickets (93 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Pratika Rawal (89)
Venue: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Date: January 10, 2025
Second ODI: Jemimah’s Maiden Hundred Seals the Series
The second ODI on January 12 saw India bat first after winning the toss. What followed was a batting masterclass that left Ireland shell-shocked. Jemimah Rodrigues stole the show with a blistering maiden ODI hundred, scoring off just a handful of overs before getting out trying a cheeky shot. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set the tone early, with Mandhana’s aggressive approach and Rawal’s steady hand. Richa Ghosh added a quickfire cameo, lofting boundaries with ease. India posted a mammoth 370/6, their highest-ever total in women’s ODIs at the time.
Ireland’s chase was always going to be tough. Leah Paul fought hard, reaching her 1000th ODI run and scoring a gritty fifty, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Titas Sadhu struck early, removing Christina Coulter Reilly, while Deepti Sharma and Priya Mishra kept the pressure on. Ireland managed 254/7 in their 50 overs, falling short by 116 runs. Paul’s sweep shots and Arlene Kelly’s boundaries showed fight, but India’s bowlers were relentless.
Jemimah Rodrigues was named Player of the Match for her explosive century, which not only powered India to a huge total but also sealed the series with a game to spare. This match highlighted India’s ability to dominate with the bat and back it up with disciplined bowling.
Second ODI India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
|
Team |
Innings |
Score |
Overs |
Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
India Women |
1st |
370/6 | 50.0 |
Jemimah Rodrigues (100), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh |
|
Arlene Kelly, Georgina Dempsey |
||||
|
Ireland Women |
1st |
254/7 | 50.0 |
Leah Paul (50+), Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis |
|
Titas Sadhu, Deepti Sharma, Priya Mishra |
Result: India Women won by 116 runs
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (100)
Venue: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Date: January 12, 2025
Third ODI: Record-Breaking India Complete a Clean Sweep
The third and final ODI on January 15 was a historic day for Indian women’s cricket. Batting first after winning the toss, India unleashed a batting onslaught, led by centuries from Pratika Rawal (154) and Smriti Mandhana (135 off just 70 balls—the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman). Richa Ghosh’s rapid fifty pushed India to a record-breaking 435/5, the fourth-highest total in women’s ODI history and India’s highest ever.
Ireland’s batters had no answer to India’s bowling attack. Sarah Forbes top-scored with a quick 41, but the rest of the lineup struggled against India’s disciplined bowlers. Deepti Sharma and Titas Sadhu were relentless, and Ireland was bowled out in just 31 overs, handing India a massive 304-run victory. This win completed a 3-0 clean sweep, with Pratika Rawal earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for her incredible 310 runs across the three games.
Smriti Mandhana, lifting the trophy with her team, spoke about the joy of giving everyone game time and executing their plans perfectly. The match was a statement of India’s dominance and a reminder of their firepower ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Third ODI India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
|
Team |
Innings |
Score |
Overs |
Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
India Women |
1st |
435/5 | 50.0 |
Pratika Rawal (154), Smriti Mandhana (135), Richa Ghosh (50+) |
|
Georgina Dempsey, Arlene Kelly |
||||
|
Ireland Women |
1st |
131 all out |
31.0 |
Sarah Forbes (41), Gaby Lewis |
|
Deepti Sharma, Titas Sadhu |
Result: India Women won by 304 runs
Player of the Match: Pratika Rawal (154)
Player of the Series: Pratika Rawal (310 runs)
Venue: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Date: January 15, 2025
Key Takeaways from the Series
This series was a showcase of India’s depth and talent. Pratika Rawal emerged as a star, scoring consistently and anchoring the batting lineup. Smriti Mandhana’s leadership and aggressive batting set the tone, while Jemimah Rodrigues’ maiden hundred was a highlight. The bowling unit, led by Priya Mishra, Deepti Sharma, and Titas Sadhu, was disciplined and effective, never letting Ireland settle.
For Ireland, the series was a tough but valuable experience. Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul showed they could compete at this level, and players like Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly displayed flashes of brilliance. However, facing a powerhouse like India exposed areas for improvement, particularly in handling high-pressure chases and sustaining momentum.
The series also had its talking points off the field. Ireland’s Aimee Maguire was reported for a suspect bowling action after the first ODI, but the team rallied around her, showing their unity. For India, the clean sweep was a confidence booster as they look ahead to a white-ball tour of England and the ODI World Cup.
Why This Series Matters
For fans, this series was a treat—high-scoring games, standout performances, and a glimpse of the future of women’s cricket. India’s record-breaking totals and clinical bowling showed why they’re among the best in the world. For Ireland, it was a chance to learn and grow, with players like Leah Paul reaching personal milestones like 1000 ODI runs.
The scorecards tell the story of India’s dominance, but they also highlight Ireland’s resilience. Every boundary, every wicket, and every milestone added to the narrative of a series that was as entertaining as it was one-sided. As India celebrates their 3-0 victory, both teams will take away lessons that will shape their journeys in international cricket.
Looking Ahead
India now heads into a break before their England tour, with their sights set on the World Cup. For Ireland, the focus shifts to the ODI World Cup Qualifiers, where they’ll aim to build on the experience gained here. The Rajkot crowd, the players’ passion, and the thrill of cricket made this series unforgettable. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, this was a reminder of why women’s cricket is on the rise—full of heart, skill, and moments that stay with you.
