India secured a dominant 304-run victory against Ireland, completing a clean sweep of the three-match One Day International (ODI) series in Rajkot. The Indian team showcased an outstanding performance, recording their highest ever ODI total. Although Ireland's opener Sarah Forbes scored 41 runs, chasing down such a formidable target was always an unlikely feat.
The hosts set an imposing total, driven by exceptional innings from Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana. Rawal led the charge with a top score of 154, while Mandhana added a commanding 135, including 12 fours and seven sixes. Their formidable opening partnership of 233 runs laid a solid foundation for India's record-breaking score. Richa Ghosh further bolstered the batting lineup with a swift 59, enabling India to surpass the 400-run mark.
In Ireland's response, Orla Prendergast emerged as the sole player offering any significant resistance. However, the challenge proved too great as Ireland's last seven wickets fell for a mere 31 runs. Indian bowler Deepti Sharma played a crucial role in dismantling the Irish batting order, achieving impressive figures of 3-27.
Ireland's most successful bowler in the series opener, Cara Maguire, missed out on the subsequent matches. She awaits a decision on her bowling action after undergoing tests at an International Cricket Council-accredited facility. Her absence left Ireland's bowling attack weakened, struggling to contain the formidable Indian batting lineup.
Captaincy duties for India fell to Smriti Mandhana in this series, as regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur was rested. Mandhana's leadership was instrumental in guiding India to such a decisive series victory. Both she and Rawal achieved centuries, ensuring India's dominance throughout the series.
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