India Women Crush Ireland by 116 Runs to Clinch ODI Series

RAJKOT, India — India Women secured a dominant 116-run victory over Ireland Women in the second one-day international (ODI) on Sunday, clinching the three-match series with a game to spare. The hosts posted a formidable 370-5 before restricting Ireland to 254-7 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.

Jemimah Rodrigues starred with a maiden ODI century, scoring 102 off 91 balls, while Harleen Deol contributed 89 as India’s batters dominated from the outset. Skipper Smriti Mandhana (73) and Pratika Rawal (67) set the tone with a 156-run opening partnership, laying the foundation for India’s mammoth total.

Ireland, despite their highest ODI score against India, struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. Christina Coulter Reilly impressed with a maiden international half-century, scoring 80, while Laura Delany added 37. However, Ireland’s efforts fell short as Deepti Sharma‘s 3-37 ensured India’s comfortable victory.

“The toss did have a part to play in it – it is a nice batting wicket, but I don’t think we bowled well enough in the first 10-15 overs,” said Ireland captain Gaby Lewis. “We asked for progress, and that’s what we did from game one to game two. We scored more runs in this game, and hopefully, we can do the same in the final match and sneak a win.”

Ireland’s preparations were marred by concerns over teenage spinner Aimee Maguire, who was reported for a suspect bowling action during Friday’s first ODI. Maguire, who took three wickets in that match, will undergo testing at an ICC-accredited facility but was not selected for Sunday’s game.

India’s batting depth and disciplined bowling proved decisive. Rodrigues and Deol combined for a 183-run partnership, with Rodrigues accelerating in the final overs to reach her century. Ireland’s bowlers, led by Orla Prendergast (2-75), struggled to contain the hosts’ aggressive stroke play.

The third and final ODI will take place at the same venue on Wednesday, with Ireland aiming to salvage pride and India looking to complete a series sweep.