Ireland Women vs India Women: Rajkot Hosts Historic ODI Clash
Cricket fans worldwide are buzzing as India Women gear up to face Ireland Women in a groundbreaking three-match ODI series (Ireland Women vs India Women) starting January 10 in Rajkot. This series is anytime historical for teams, as it is Ireland’s first bilateral tour to India and the first bilateral series between these two sides since 2006.
But more importantly, for India, Ireland Women vs India Women series affords a valuable chance to fine-tune the side before the impending World Cup to be hosted by them later this year. On the other hand, Ireland, who are at the bottom of the Women’s Championship table will go for a winning end and try to register their maiden ODI win over India Women.
Mandhana Takes the Reins for a Young Indian Side
With Harmanpreet Kaur rested, Smriti Mandhana steps in as captain, leading an inexperienced Indian team. Mandhana’s leadership experience in the format is limited to one previous match against New Zealand. Ireland Women vs India Women series presents a unique opportunity for India to test fresh talent and expand their talent pool.
Key players like fast bowler Renuka Singh and all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar are absent, prompting India to experiment with their bowling combinations. Youngsters such as Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu will handle the new-ball duties, while spinners like Tanuja Kanwar might fill the gaps in the bowling attack.
Ireland Women vs India Women: Rising Stars to Watch
Raghvi Bist is a player to watch out for. The young batter, who made her T20I debut last month, has earned her spot in the ODI squad following remarkable domestic and India A performances. With her ability to anchor innings, she could be a vital asset at No. 4, filling the void left by Harmanpreet.
In the bowling department, Priya Mishra and Sayali Satghare add depth, though their inexperience could be tested against Ireland.
A debut 🧢 in international cricket for Sayali Satghare 👍 👍
Here’s #TeamIndia‘s Playing XI 🔽
UPDATES ▶️ https://t.co/bcSIVpiPvQ#INDvIRE | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/iZIdDcwNBw
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 10, 2025
Ireland’s Quest for a Historic Win
Ireland Women, underdogs in this series, have an opportunity to make history with their first ODI win against India. This tour is not just about competition but also about gaining invaluable experience against a top-tier side.
As Ireland Women vs India Women series unfolds, both teams have much to prove. India seeks to solidify their squad for the World Cup, while Ireland aims to leave their mark on Indian soil. Fans worldwide eagerly await the action-packed contests between these two determined sides.
Ireland Women vs India Women: ODI Series Begins with Exciting Match-Up
India and Ireland started the first of three Women’s One Day Internationals scheduled to be played over the next three days in Dublin. Wickets fell frequently right through the day, compelling Ireland women’s captain Gaby Lewis to request her players to take to the field and bowl. India traveled to Sri Lanka without their captain Harmanpreet Kaur and fast bowler Renuka Thakur, young Smriti Mandhana leading the side. As it is a decisive series, both teams wanted to start on a positive note.
Renewing Rivalry After Eight Years
This match marks the first time the two teams have faced each other in over eight years. Their last meeting was during a quadrangular series in South Africa in May 2017. Historically, India has dominated the rivalry, winning 12 of the 13 ODIs played between the two sides.
Sayali Satghare Makes Her ODI Debut
A notable moment for India came with the debut of all-rounder Sayali Satghare. The right-arm pacer and lower-order batter earned her maiden ODI cap, adding depth to India’s bowling and batting line-up. India will closely watch her performance in Ireland Women vs India Women series as they continue building their squad.
Team Line-Ups for the First ODI
India Women: Smriti Mandhana (c), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Richa Ghosh (w), Deepti Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra, Titas Sadhu.
Ireland Women: Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Una Raymond-Hoey, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Coulter Reilly (w), Arlene Kelly, Georgina Dempsey, Freya Sargent, Aimee Maguire.
Setting the Tone for the Series
Both teams are eager to set the tone in this series opener. For India, it’s an opportunity to test fresh talent under Mandhana’s leadership, while Ireland looks to challenge their formidable opponents and gain momentum. Fans can expect an exciting contest as the series unfolds.
1ST WODI. WICKET! 8.3: Una Raymond Hoey 5(10) Run Out Jemimah Rodrigues, Ireland (Women) 34/2 https://t.co/bcSIVpjnlo #INDvIRE @IDFCFIRSTBank
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 10, 2025
Ireland Women vs India Women: Live Score
IRE 189/5 after 42 overs