Chandigarh: Just three months ago, names like Pratika Rawal, Tejal Hasabnis, and Priya Mishra were mostly known in Indian women’s domestic cricket. But with Shafali Verma dropped from the team and captain Harmanpreet Kaur injured, these players have suddenly stepped into the spotlight. They are eager to show their skills as the ODI Women’s World Cup approaches in six months.
In the first ODI against Ireland in Rajkot, opener Pratika Rawal scored an impressive 89 runs off 96 balls, marking her second half-century in just four international matches. Tejal Hasabnis contributed significantly too, scoring an unbeaten 53 runs off only 46 balls to help India chase down Ireland’s total of 238 runs.
After losing two quick wickets, Smriti Mandhana played brilliantly, making 41 runs in just 29 balls. Rawal and Hasabnis then built a strong partnership, adding 116 runs for the fourth wicket. Once Mandhana got out, Rawal went all out looking for her century but fell short, getting out after hitting some big shots.
In the end, Richa Ghosh came in and secured the win for India with boundaries in the 35th over. Earlier in the match, Ireland’s Gaby Lewis scored 92 runs, and even though India dropped four catches, they managed to win by six wickets. Captain Mandhana praised her bowlers and expressed the need to improve fielding skills.
The two teams will face each other again in Rajkot on Sunday and Wednesday.
Match Summary:
– Ireland: 238/7 in 50 overs (Gaby Lewis 92, Leah Paul 59, Priya Mishra 2/56)
– India: 241/4 in 34.3 overs (Pratika Rawal 89, Tejal Hasabnis 53, Smriti Mandhana 41, Aimee Maguire 3/57)
– India won by six wickets.
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