In an extraordinary display of batting prowess, the Indian women’s cricket team, led by Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, shattered multiple records during the 3rd ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 15, 2025.
The match witnessed India posting a staggering total of 435 runs for 5 wickets, marking the highest ODI score ever recorded by any Indian team, surpassing both men’s and women’s previous records.
IND-W vs IRE-W Record-Breaking Innings
- Smriti Mandhana played a sensational innings, scoring 135 runs off just 80 balls, which included 7 sixes and 12 fours. This innings was not only crucial for the team’s total but also set a record for the fastest century by an Indian woman, achieved in just 70 balls.
- Pratika Rawal, on the other hand, converted her maiden century into a remarkable 154 runs off 129 balls. This innings solidified her reputation as a rising star in women’s cricket and marked her as the first player (male or female) to aggregate 444 runs after just six ODIs, breaking the previous record held by England’s Charlotte Edwards (434 runs).
Partnerships and Team Performance
The opening partnership between Mandhana and Rawal was pivotal, as they added a monumental 233 runs for the first wicket in just 26.4 overs.
Their aggressive batting not only set the tone for the innings but also demoralized the Irish bowlers, who struggled to contain the onslaught.
In addition to Mandhana and Rawal’s contributions, Richa Ghosh added a brisk 59 runs off 42 balls, further propelling India to their record total.
Records Broken
The match saw several records being established:
- Highest Total in Women’s ODIs: India’s score of 435/5 is now the highest total recorded in women’s ODIs, surpassing New Zealand’s previous record of 491/4 against Ireland in June 2018.
- Fastest Century by an Indian Woman: Smriti Mandhana’s century came off just 70 balls, making it the fastest for India in women’s ODIs.
- Most Centuries in Women’s ODIs: With this century, Mandhana joins the elite club of players with 10 centuries in women’s ODIs, alongside notable names like Meg Lanning and Suzie Bates.
- Most Runs After First Six Innings: Pratika Rawal’s aggregate of 444 runs after six ODIs is a new world record for any player in women’s cricket.
- Highest Strike Rate for a Century: Mandhana’s innings had a strike rate of 168.75, setting a new benchmark for high-scoring innings in women’s ODIs.
Significance of the Win
This victory not only secured India a whitewash over Ireland in the three-match series but also showcased the depth and talent within the Indian women’s cricket team.
The performance underlines the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket globally and highlights India’s potential to challenge top teams on any platform.
