Skipper Smriti Mandhana and opener Pratika Rawal spearheaded a historic victory as the India Women’s cricket team posted their highest-ever ODI total of 435/3 against Ireland on Wednesday. This monumental score makes India only the third team in Women’s ODI history to breach the elusive 400-run mark, a feat previously achieved by New Zealand and Australia.
Key Highlights:
Historic Milestone in Women’s ODIs
Here’s a look at the highest team totals in Women’s ODI cricket:
| Total | Team | Opposition (Year) |
|---|---|---|
| 491/4 | New Zealand | Ireland (2018) |
| 455/5 | New Zealand | Pakistan (1997) |
| 440/3 | New Zealand | Ireland (2018) |
| 435/3 | India | Ireland (2025) |
| 418 | New Zealand | Ireland (2018) |
| 412/3 | Australia | Denmark (1997) |
Dominant Partnerships and Power Hitting
Pratika Rawal’s Maiden Century
Pratika Rawal stole the show with a magnificent 154 runs, marking her maiden international century. Her knock, now the third-highest by an Indian woman in ODIs, featured a blend of patience and aggression. She shared a staggering 233-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana for the opening wicket, laying the foundation for India’s mammoth total.
Smriti Mandhana’s Leadership
Skipper Smriti Mandhana smashed 135 runs, demonstrating her trademark power hitting and leading by example. Mandhana’s quick scoring allowed Rawal to settle into her innings, with the duo complementing each other perfectly.
Rawal praised Mandhana, saying, “It’s always a treat to watch her hit with immense power. I didn’t mind taking a backseat.”
Richa Ghosh’s Late Flourish
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh added a fiery half-century during the death overs, pushing India past the 430-run mark.
A Record-Breaking Series for India
India’s 435/3 comes just one game after their previous record of 370/5, showcasing their batting dominance in the series. With this win, India leads the three-match series 2-0.
Quotes from the Stars
Reflecting on her incredible knock, Pratika Rawal shared:
“There was not much going on in my mind. We wanted to cross 400, and we managed to post 430, so that’s really good.”
Rawal’s humble attitude and focus on the team’s success echo the spirit of Indian Women’s cricket.
What’s Next?
With the series already clinched, India Women will look to complete a clean sweep in the final match against Ireland. This victory also solidifies India’s position as one of the most formidable teams in Women’s ODI cricket.
India’s historic feat, powered by Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, will be remembered as a landmark in cricket history. The future of Women’s cricket looks brighter than ever!
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