Record-Breaking Rampage: Mandhana and Rawal Propel India to Historic ODI Win

On an electrifying January 15th at the Rajkot stadium, India's women's cricket team achieved a milestone by setting their highest-ever ODI score of 435-5, surpassing their previous record against the same opponent. Leading from the front, Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal dominated the Irish bowling attack with scintillating centuries, contributing to a monumental 304-run victory that completed a clean sweep of the series.

Mandhana, the stand-in captain, blasted her way to the fastest century by an Indian in ODIs, reaching 100 from just 70 deliveries, eclipsing Harmanpreet Kaur’s earlier record. Her explosive 135 included 12 fours and 7 sixes, setting the stadium alight with her aggressive play. On the other end, Rawal, with a composed 154 from 129 balls, supported the onslaught, marking her entry into international cricket with a bang. Their 233-run partnership for the first wicket is the third-highest for India in ODIs, setting a dominant tone early in the game.

India's bowlers were not to be overshadowed, as Deepti Sharma snagged 3 wickets for 27 runs, ably supported by Tanuja Kanwar with 2 for 31, dismantling the Irish batting lineup which collapsed at 131 all out. Despite some lapses in fielding, India's overwhelming batting performance left no room for an Irish comeback, asserting their supremacy in no uncertain terms.