Jemimah Rodrigues slammed her first century in a 50-over cricket match, leading India to a commanding 370/5—their highest ever total in ODIs in women's cricket—against Ireland in the second women's ODI in Rajkot.
Captain Smriti Mandhana's quickfire 73 off 54 balls set the stage for India's imposing total. Rodrigues' maiden century, 102 off 91 balls, solidified India's dominant position.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Pratika Rawal contributed a significant 67 off 61 balls in her debut, while Harleen Deol added a powerful 89 off 84 balls.
India's substantial total was built on two key partnerships. Mandhana and Rawal combined for 156 runs off 19 overs. Rodrigues and Deol added 183 runs in a partnership spanning 28 overs.
The Indian batters were relentless, striking 44 boundaries and three sixes throughout their 50 overs.
Rodrigues' century was a breakthrough after six half-centuries in 40 previous games. Her relief was evident in a celebratory guitar-playing gesture upon reaching the milestone.
"It has been a long wait to get this hundred. Glad that the team gave me a role at No. 4 and I could deliver," Rodrigues shared with Star Sports.
Rodrigues emphasized her focus on batting through the innings. She highlighted the importance of her contribution extending to the 50th over.
"Today, the important thing for me was to be till the 50th over. Getting runs is not a problem, I am good at that, but being till the end was important and glad I could do that."
Rodrigues described her partnership with Deol, explaining their initial assessment of the pitch conditions. She acknowledged Deol's encouragement to maintain her belief.
"Having Harleen there, initially we took time to assess the conditions. I know I can accelerate but while I took time, Harleen spoke to me to keep believing.
"We can't take any team lightly, we have followed domestic cricket here, 390 has been chased," she said.
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