RAJKOT, Jan 10: In an impressive display, India triumphed over Ireland by six wickets in the opening match of the women’s ODI series, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match contest held on Friday.
After opting to bat first, Ireland’s captain Gaby Lewis delivered a commendable performance, scoring 92 runs and forming a substantial 117-run partnership with Leah Paul, who added 59 runs to the scoreboard, allowing the visitors to reach 238 for 7.
In response, India’s opening batsman Pratika Rawal contributed 89 runs, supported by Tejal Hasabnis, who remained unbeaten on 53, as the Indian team successfully chased down the target in just 34.3 overs.
Gaby Lewis played a critical role in building Ireland’s innings, amassing her runs off 129 balls, with 15 boundaries, almost single-handedly steering her team to a competitive total after they faced early trouble at 56 for 4 in the 14th over.
On the bowling front for India, Priya Mishra emerged as the standout bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 56 runs, while Deepti Sharma and Titas Sadhu each took a wicket as well.
Brief Scores:
Ireland: 238 for 7 in 50 overs (Gaby Lewis 92, Leah Paul 59; Priya Mishra 2/56)
India: 241 for 4 in 34.3 overs (Pratika Rawal 89, Tejal Hasabnis 53 not out; Aimee Maguire 3/57). (PTI)
