Hosts India secured a commanding series win over a spirited Irish side by triumphing in the first two matches of the ongoing three-match One Day International (ODI) series. In the second ODI, India posted a record-breaking total of 370/5, their highest innings score in ODIs, showcasing a formidable batting display. Despite a resilient effort, Ireland managed 254/7, falling short by 116 runs as India sealed victory.
The third and final ODI is scheduled for January 15, 2025, at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, with play set to begin at 11:00 AM IST.
Squads:
India women’s cricket team
Smriti Mandhana (C), Deepti Sharma (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Raghvi Bist, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare
Ireland women’s cricket team
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell
Players to watch out:
Pratika Rawal
The 24-year-old opener has had a promising start to her international career, posting 290 runs from 5 ODI appearances, averaging 58.00. Pratika’s performances in domestic competitions have consistently caught the selectors’ attention. In the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy in January 2024, she stood out as the second-highest run-scorer with 411 runs from eight matches at a phenomenal average of 68.50.
Priya Mishra
The 20-year-old has had an impressive domestic season, and she has carried on that form to international cricket as well. She has taken 15 wickets from 9 matches so far with a best of 3 for 49. In the ongoing series she is the joint leading wicket takers with 4 wickets from 2 matches.
Leah Paul
The 25-year-old batter, from 40 ODI outings, has amassed 1024 runs at an average of 26.94, and registered the highest score of 137, while also chipping in with 6 wickets from 19 innings. Gaby has registered scores of 79*, 16, 0, 59, and 27* in her latest 5 ODIs, including this series. She is an experienced campaigner and can be relied upon for the runs, continuing in her outstanding form and adding another big score.
Coulter Reily
The 21-year-old, from 4 outings in the ODI, has posted 126 runs at an average of 42.00, with best of 80 against India in the second ODI. Though she had a quiet start to her career, she is a promising talent and can be trusted for the goods.
Pitch:
The Niranjan Shah Stadium features a good batting deck with an average score in the 240s. However, the wicket has just enough in it for bowlers, especially early on for pacers, while spinners remain in the game throughout.
Weather:
It will be a bright, sunny day in Rajkot, with the temperature expected to hover around 27°C, light winds, and a humidity level of 61%. With a clear forecast, we are in for a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, Gaby Lewis, Jemimah Rodrigues, Leah Paul, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Orla Prendergast, Pratika Rawal, Aimee Maguire, Priya Mishra
Match details:
Date – January 15, 2025
Time – 11:00 AM IST
Venue – Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on Hotstar and telecasted on Star Sports.
