India became the third team, following New Zealand and Australia, to achieve a total in excess of 400 runs in an innings in women’s ODI cricket.
India accomplished the achievement against Ireland on Wednesday, January 15, when Smriti Mandhana and her young opening partner Pratika Rawal each scored a century. India amassed 435, surpassing their former record of 370 set against Ireland just three days ago.
Fourth-highest score in women’s ODIs
India’s 435 was also the fourth-largest highest score in women’s ODI cricket. New Zealand set the record for the largest total in women’s ODI cricket — 491 for 4 versus Ireland in Dublin in 2018. India’s women’s team has now set a new highest total in ODI cricket, surpassing the men’s team record of 418 that was established against the West Indies in 2011.
Pratika Rawal, in just her second series for India, achieved her first century. The 24-year-old psychology student from Delhi ensured she achieved greatness by transforming it into a daddy hundred — 154 runs off 129 balls. Pratika struck 20 boundaries and a six, showcasing her impressive performance at the top of the order for India.
Captain Smriti Mandhana, filling in for Harmanpreet Kaur, struck a 100 off 70 balls — the quickest by an Indian in women’s ODIs. She continued and reached 135 off only 80 balls. Smriti showcased her exceptional skills on Wednesday, hitting 12 boundaries and seven sixes.
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Richa Ghosh came out to bat at No. 3. She struck a six and 10 fours for her 59 runs off 42 balls before Tejal Hasabnis (28) and Harleen Deol (15) completed the Indian innings.
India scored 435 runs for 5 wickets in 50 overs, with 29 runs being extras due to Ireland’s undisciplined bowling.
The standout moment of the Indian innings was the collaboration between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. The Indian opening pair contributed 233 runs, marking the third-best partnership for India in women’s ODI history.
