NEW DELHI: When India plays Ireland in the second women's ODI in Rajkot on Sunday, they will be looking for another clinical performance from the young players, who put on a strong show in the first encounter, to complete the three-match series.
Indian women had a great day in the first ODI, winning by six wickets to take a 1-0 series lead, even though they were fielding a comparatively inexperienced team.
The efforts of Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis, who put up a 100-plus stand to lead the chase, were vital, but captain Smriti Mandhana maintained her excellent form, setting the ground with a powerful 41.
With usual captain Harmanpreet Kaur out of the squad after being rested for this series, their efforts are a huge boost for the team.
Renuka Singh, who led the pace and took the most wickets in the last series against the West Indies, was also rested for this series.
Young Titas Sadhu took her place and struck in her first spell. Saima Thakor bowled a tidy 10-over session, and Sayali Satghare also made an impression by grabbing a wicket.
With two fast wickets, spinner Priya Mishra had a noteworthy performance, and vice captain Deepti Sharma contributed as well.
Before the home ODI World Cup later this year, the management may be happy with the bench strength thanks to Mandhana's superb management of the inexperienced group. Mandhana had previously captained India against New Zealand.
But in the first ODI, India's fielding was poor.
Ireland overcame a shaky 56 for 4 to surpass the 200-run mark after they dropped Leah Paul twice. In order to keep Ireland below 200 and end the game more easily, the Indian bowlers will also try to carry out their strategies more effectively.
With an incredible 92, Ireland's captain Gaby Lewis was the star, but the middle order did not help him. Paul took use of her opportunities and hit a half-century as well. For Ireland to compete with India, other batters must be more determined.
Their bowling attack was Ireland's worst letdown.
As India chased down the score with more over 15 overs left, the remaining bowlers were costly and ineffectual, with the exception of Aimee Maguire, who claimed three wickets.
To win their first-ever women's ODI match against India, Ireland, who are currently at the bottom of the Women's Championship standings and have not qualified directly for the World Cup, will need to completely improve their performance.
Teams (from):India: Smriti Mandhana (C), Deepti Sharma (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Raghvi Bist, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare
Ireland: Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell
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