Twitter reactions: Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis shine as India crushes Ireland by six-wickets in the 1st ODI

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India registered a comfortable six-wicket victory over Ireland in the 1st Women’s ODI of the Ireland Women’s tour of India at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on Friday (January 10). Led by Smriti Mandhana, India successfully chased down Ireland’s target of 239 with 93 balls to spare. Pratika Rawal’s composed 89 and Tejal Hasabnis’ quick-fire 53 not out were instrumental in ensuring the team’s triumph. Earlier, Ireland’s captain Gaby Lewis played a valiant knock of 92, helping her side post a respectable total of 238/7.

Pratika Rawal’s match-winning partnership with Tejal Hasabnis

Rawal’s remarkable innings of 89 runs off 96 balls stood as the cornerstone of India Women’s successful chase against Ireland in the first ODI at Rajkot. Opening alongside Mandhana, Rawal showcased her class with a measured yet commanding performance. Her innings, laced with 10 boundaries and a six, ensured India stayed ahead of the required rate despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

She exhibited excellent shot selection and adaptability, handling both pace and spin with ease. Rawal’s 116-run partnership with Tejal Hasabnis for the fourth wicket proved decisive, steadying India after a mid-innings wobble. Her ability to find gaps and rotate the strike complemented her occasional power-hitting, leaving the Irish bowlers struggling for answers.

Gaby Lewis anchors Ireland’s innings

Earlier, Ireland captain Lewis led from the front with a splendid knock of 92 runs off 129 balls, providing a solid platform for her team. Lewis’ innings was characterized by her ability to hold one end while accumulating runs through elegant drives and well-timed cuts. She found support from Leah Paul, who contributed a valuable 59 runs in their 117-run stand for the fifth wicket.

However, Ireland’s inability to capitalize on this partnership in the death overs cost them a more imposing total. Lewis fell in the 44th over, attempting to accelerate, leaving the Irish lower order with too much to do. Despite their efforts, a lack of boundary-hitting in the final overs meant Ireland finished at 238/7, a target that proved insufficient against India’s batting might.

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India’s all-round bowling performance

India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Ireland to a manageable total. Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma set the tone with early wickets, while Priya Mishra emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 2/56, including the key dismissal of Lewis. Sayali Satghare, on her WODI debut, impressed with her economy, conceding just 43 runs in her 10 overs and claiming a wicket.

The bowlers were supported by sharp fielding efforts, including two critical run-outs that kept Ireland in check. While there were occasional lapses in line and length, India’s bowlers adjusted well to the conditions and maintained pressure throughout the innings. This collective effort ensured that Ireland’s batters could not accelerate significantly in the closing overs, setting up a comfortable chase for the hosts.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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