India Takes 1-0 Lead as Rawal and Hasabnis Master Chase
India stamped its authority on the first ODI against Ireland, wrapping up a comprehensive six-wicket victory in Rajkot to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis were phenomenal in their performance as the side smoothly waded through a few early hurdles before reaching the target.
India’s Chase: Rawal and Hasabnis Steal the Show
Tejal Hasabnis made an immediate impact when she returned after a long absence from the game by remaining undefeated on 53 off 46 balls that included nine boundaries. Together, Rawal and Hasabnis neutralized Ireland’s bowling threat with their calculated aggression.
- Key Partnership: The Rawal-Hasabnis stand stabilized the innings and ensured India stayed on track. Their 116-run partnership came off just 84 balls, effectively ending Ireland’s hopes of a comeback.
Pratika Rawal’s confidence and poise led the chase for the 239-run target set by India. Her 89 off 96 was filled with 10 fours and a six, but she anchored the innings after Smriti Mandhana’s opening fireworks.
- Mandhana’s Aggressive Start: Mandhana dominated the early overs with her trademark flair. Her brisk 41 included six fours and a six, propelling India to 70 runs within the first 10 overs. Her dismissal, however, brought a slight lull as India lost quick wickets.
Ireland’s Innings: Gaby Lewis Leads the Fightback
Opting to bat first, Ireland found themselves in trouble at 56/4. However, Gaby Lewis displayed resilience and skill, crafting a superb 92 off 129 balls. Her innings, punctuated with 15 boundaries, were pivotal in giving Ireland a fighting chance.
Leah Paul provided excellent support with her 59 off 73 balls, forming Ireland’s first-ever century stand against India. Their calculated approach steadied the innings, but Ireland’s total of 238/7 fell short of what was needed on a flat pitch.
India’s Bowling Highlights:
- Titas Sadhu struck early with an edge off Sarah Forbes, while Priya Mishra’s sharp leg spin accounted for two key wickets.
- Harleen Deol’s run-out of Leah Paul was a turning point, breaking the century stand.
Despite the fightback, Ireland’s inexperience showed that dropped catches and loose deliveries proved costly.
Match Highlights
- Gaby Lewis led the charge for Ireland with a classy 92, supported by Leah Paul’s solid 59. The duo put up a vital 117-run partnership after early setbacks.
- Priya Mishra’s leg spin (2/56) and Titas Sadhu’s disciplined medium pace set the tone, reducing Ireland to 56/4.
- Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana blazed through the powerplay with a quick-fire 41 off 29 balls, laying the foundation for India’s chase.
- Pratika Rawal (89) and Tejal Hasabnis (53*) stitched a match-winning 116-run stand, showing remarkable maturity and aggression.
- India Seals the Win in 34.3 Overs: Richa Ghosh finished the chase with back-to-back boundaries after Rawal’s brilliant knock ended just shy of her maiden century.
Important Performances
- India
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Pratika Rawal | 89 runs (96 balls, 10 fours, 1 six) |
| Tejal Hasabnis | 53* runs (46 balls, 9 fours) |
| Smriti Mandhana | 41 runs (29 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) |
| Priya Mishra | 2 wickets for 56 runs |
- Ireland
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Gaby Lewis | 92 runs (129 balls, 15 fours) |
| Leah Paul | 59 runs (73 balls, 8 fours) |
| Aimee Maguire | 3 wickets for 57 runs |
Post-Match Insights
Smriti Mandhana praised her team’s performance, highlighting the bowlers’ discipline and the importance of finishing matches strongly.
“To bowl on these wickets with nothing in them was commendable. Fielding is something we need to improve. The batters did their job brilliantly, and every game here on will be a stepping stone for the World Cup,” Mandhana remarked.
Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis, despite her valiant knock, rued the lack of support from her bowlers and fielders.
“We had our moments but let them slip away. There’s a lot to learn, and we’ll come back stronger,” Lewis said.
What’s Next?
The second One Day International (ODI) match will take place in Rajkot on Sunday, where India will strive to seal the series, as Ireland aims to bounce back and even the contest.
Having gained India a lead of 1-0 in the first ODI, the emphatic performance not only holds a claiming position of no less than this but also reveals the emergence of young Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis. Positive progress, indeed, with the ODI Women’s World Cup on the horizon: it adds to the pleasure of such a victory.
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