Chandigarh: Jemimah Rodrigues made her debut for India in 2018. After nearly seven years, the middle-order batter achieved her first international century, scoring 102 runs off 91 balls, which led the hosts to a 116-run victory over Ireland in the second ODI of the three-match series held in Rajkot on Sunday. With this victory, the Indian team, captained by Smriti Mandhana, has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Rodrigues reached her century in the final over of India's innings after they opted to bat first, hitting a boundary off seamer Arlene Kelly. She celebrated this milestone in her characteristic manner, removing her helmet and mimicking a guitar strum with her bat. However, she was dismissed on the next delivery while attempting a shot through the leg side.

India set a formidable total of 370/5, marking their highest score in ODI history. Their previous record was 358/2 against Ireland in 2017 and 358/5 against the West Indies in December. This impressive total was bolstered by the performances of the top three batters: captain Smriti Mandhana scored 73 runs off 53 balls, opener Pratika Rawal contributed 67 runs off 61 balls, and Harleen Deol added 89 runs off 84 balls. The Irish bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive Indian batting lineup.

In response, Ireland managed to score 254/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Christina Coulter Reilly, the wicketkeeper for Ireland, was the top scorer with 80 runs, marking her first fifty in international cricket.

“It has been a long wait to achieve this hundred. I am grateful that the team entrusted me with the No. 4 position, allowing me to contribute,” Rodrigues stated. “Today, my main focus was to remain at the crease until the 50th over. With Harleen by my side, we initially took time to gauge the conditions. I am aware of my ability to accelerate, but while I took my time, Harleen encouraged me to keep believing.”

Jemimah and Deol forged a formidable partnership of 183 runs for the third wicket, effectively compensating for the absence of their regular No. 4, captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Jemimah expressed her relief at scoring a century, noting her familiarity with achieving such milestones in domestic cricket, which had been a source of concern for her. She remarked on the variability of overs in matches, emphasizing the need to revert to her U-19 playing style after extensive experience in T20 formats. She acknowledged that the typical No. 5 position can resemble T20 play at times, but she was pleased with her patience during this innings.

Deol narrowly missed her second ODI century when she was caught at cover, yet she and her close friend Rodrigues had already put the Irish bowlers under significant pressure, propelling India past the 350-run threshold and contributing to the team's highest ODI total.

In Kaur's absence, middle-order players Rodrigues and Tejal Hasabnis excelled against Ireland.

Ireland achieved their second-highest total while chasing in ODIs, surpassing the 250-run mark against India, which indicated that their batters were comfortable on the Rajkot pitch. Laura Delany contributed an aggressive 37 runs, while Leah Paul added an unbeaten 27 runs.

Before this tour, Ireland's highest ODI score against India was merely 170.

For India, off-spinner Deepti Sharma was the standout performer, claiming three wickets, while leg-spinner Priya Mishra secured two.

Brief scores: India 370/5 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 73, Pritika Rawal 67, Harleen Deol 89, Jemimah Rodrigues 102, Orla Prendergast 2/75); Ireland 254/7 in 50 overs (Christina Coulter Reilly 80, Deepti Sharma 3/37). India won by 116 runs.

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