India Seals ODI Series with 116-Run Win Over Ireland

India claimed a dominant 116-run victory over Ireland in Rajkot on Sunday securing the three-match ODI series with a game to spare. After winning the opener by six wickets, India showcased another commanding performance in the second ODI. India’s batters excelled, posting a formidable 370-5. Jemimah Rodrigues impressed with 102 while Harleen Deol added a solid 89. Captain Smriti Mandhana (73) and Pratika Rawal (67) set the foundation with a 156-run opening stand.

Rodrigues and Deol then combined for a 183-run partnership to set Ireland a daunting target. Orla Prendergast picked up 2-75 but struggled to contain India’s strong batting lineup. Ireland responded with resilience, led by Christina Coulter Reilly, who scored her maiden international half-century and remained unbeaten on 80. Sarah Forbes contributed 38 and Laura Delany added 37 but Ireland fell behind the required run rate and ended their innings at 254-7.

Although they recorded their highest ODI total against India, they could not reach the target. Deepti Sharma delivered with the ball, taking 3-37 to help India maintain control. Ireland faced a setback as teenage spinner Aimee Maguire, who took three wickets in the first ODI received a report for a suspect bowling action. Cricket Ireland assured their full support as Maguire prepares to undergo testing. The team did not include her in Sunday’s match despite her eligibility to play until test results are available.

Irish captain Gaby Lewis acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “The toss played a role but we didn’t bowl well enough in the first 10-15 overs. We aimed for progress and we showed improvement with more runs today.” The two teams will face off in the final ODI on Wednesday at the Niranjan Shah Stadium where Ireland will aim to improve further and seek a consolation victory.