Smriti Mandhana smashed the fastest century by an Indian in women’s ODIs, while Pratika Rawal recorded her maiden hundred as India posted a record-breaking 435/5 in the third and final ODI against Ireland in Rajkot on Wednesday.
Stand-in skipper Smriti’s dazzling 135 off just 80 balls, her 10th ODI century, came in a mere 70 deliveries, setting the stage for India’s first-ever 400-plus total in the format. With this feat, India joined Australia and New Zealand in the elite club of teams to breach the 400-run mark in women’s ODIs.
India’s Record-Breaking Innings in Women’s ODI Against Ireland
India’s monumental total of 435/5 in the third ODI against Ireland was the fourth-highest in women’s ODI history, with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal delivering standout performances.
Smriti Mandhana surpassed Harmanpreet Kaur’s 87-ball century record, scoring a blistering 135 off 80 balls. She reached her 31st ODI fifty in just 39 balls and powered her way to her second half-century of the series. Her aggressive innings featured seven sixes and 12 fours, as she dominated the aerial route and cleared the 30-yard circle with ease.
Pratika Rawal, a Delhi cricketer representing Railways, complemented her skipper with a measured yet explosive knock, achieving her maiden international century in her sixth innings. The 24-year-old, who debuted against the West Indies, converted her consistent form into a career-best 154 off 129 balls. After reaching her run-a-ball hundred, Pratika shifted gears, smashing her first six off Freya Sargent and accumulating 20 boundaries overall. She demonstrated a perfect balance of precision and aggression, powering her way to an impressive 150.
The duo’s 233-run partnership marked only the fourth time an Indian pair recorded a 200-run stand in women’s ODIs. Their feat follows the record-breaking 320-run stand by Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut against Ireland in 2017 and other historic partnerships by Indian openers.
Smriti brought up her first century of the year with a beautiful drive off Arlene Kelly, whom she targeted with successive sixes. Ireland’s lead bowler, Orla Prendergast, also faced the brunt of Smriti’s attack, with a towering six over long-on highlighting the onslaught.
Promoted to No. 3, Richa Ghosh added to Ireland’s woes, scoring a quickfire 50 off just 37 balls, her fifth ODI half-century.
Despite using seven bowlers, Ireland struggled against India’s relentless batting and was further hampered by sloppy fielding, allowing India to post their historic total.
