Rajkot, Jan 12 (FN Agency) India Women have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series against Ireland after securing a dominant 2-0 win with a comfortable 94-run victory in the second ODI at a sun-baked stadium here on Sunday. The Indian team showcased their strength without needing to flex their muscles too much, cruising to victory after posting a mammoth total of 370/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, set the stage ablaze with their aggressive stroke play. Mandhana hit 73 off 54 balls, while Pratika contributed 67 off 61 balls, laying the foundation with a blistering 156-run opening stand. The pair’s dominance sent Ireland on the back foot, but a sudden twist saw both dismissed off consecutive deliveries, leaving the score at 156/2 and India’s progress slightly halted. However, the experienced Jemimah Rodrigues (102 off 91 balls) and Harleen Deol (89 off 84 balls) came to the rescue, bringing stability to the innings.
While they initially took their time to settle, their measured approach allowed India to accelerate towards the end. The final 10 overs saw a flurry of boundaries as India added 102 runs, with Rodrigues celebrating her maiden international century in style. Ireland, chasing a target of 371, could never really threaten the Indian bowlers despite a few promising knocks. Their batswomen settled in but were unable to pose a serious challenge. Ireland’s top scorer, Coulter Reilly, could only manage 39, while the other batswomen lacked the momentum needed to chase down the daunting target. India’s bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma (3/37) and Priya Mishra (2/53), picked wickets and restricted Ireland to 254/7, sealing a comfortable victory for India with a game to spare. With the series now sealed, India will look to extend their dominance in the final ODI, set to take place on January 15.