India created history by becoming only the third team, following New Zealand and Australia, to post a total exceeding 400 runs in a women's ODI inning. This milestone was reached in their match against Ireland on Wednesday, January 15. The record-breaking performance saw brilliant centuries from both Smriti Mandhana and her young opening partner, Pratika Rawal. India amassed a staggering 435 runs, surpassing their previous best of 370, which was also recorded against Ireland just three days earlier. This total now ranks as the fourth-highest in the history of women's ODI cricket, with New Zealand holding the top spot with a record 491 for 4 against Ireland in Dublin in 2018.
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India's achievement of 435 not only set a new benchmark for the women's team but also outshined the men's team's record high score of 418 against the West Indies in 2011.
Pratika Rawal, making only her second series appearance for India, scored her maiden ODI century with an impressive 154 off 129 balls. The 24-year-old, a psychology student from Delhi, made her mark by converting her century into a commanding "daddy hundred." Her innings were studded with 20 boundaries and a six, firmly establishing her as a promising talent at the top of India's batting order.
Captain Smriti Mandhana, leading the team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, showcased her prowess by scoring the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs, reaching the mark in just 70 balls. She went on to score 135 off 80 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and seven sixes in a display of exceptional batting skill and aggression.
Richa Ghosh contributed significantly at No. 3 with a brisk 42-ball 59, featuring a six and 10 boundaries. Towards the end of the innings, Tejal Hasabnis (28) and Harleen Deol (15) provided crucial finishing touches. India ended their innings at 435 for 5 in 50 overs, with 29 extras from Ireland's bowling, which lacked discipline throughout the match.
The highlight of India's innings was the opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Their collaboration yielded 233 runs, making it the third-highest partnership for India in women's ODI history.
IND vs IRE, 3rd ODI: Updates
Breaking down India's monumental 435-run innings:
435: India's highest total in ODI cricket, surpassing the men's record of 418.
3: India became the third team to score more than 400 runs in women's ODIs, joining New Zealand and Australia.
6: This was only the sixth instance of a 400-plus total in women's ODI cricket, with New Zealand having achieved this feat four times.
154: Pratika Rawal's score of 154 is the third-highest by an Indian batter in women's ODIs, following Deepti Sharma's 188 and Harmanpreet Kaur's 171.
70: Smriti Mandhana's century, reached in 70 balls, set a new record for the fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs, breaking Harmanpreet Kaur's previous record.
233: The Mandhana-Rawal partnership is the third-highest for India in women's ODIs.
10: Mandhana became the first Asian batter to score 10 ODI centuries in women's cricket and the fourth overall.
This historic performance by the Indian women's team not only highlighted their growing prowess in the sport but also marked a significant milestone in the evolution of women's cricket on the global stage.