Explore the remarkable story behind India’s record-breaking 304-run victory, a landmark moment in cricket history that showcases unparalleled talent and determination.
Introduction:
India Registered their biggest ODI victory ever in a match of great significance played in Rajkot, beating Ireland by a record margin of 304 runs. They won the third and final game of the series with a 3-0 whitewash but made it a bigger one as they previously had only recorded that margin of victory against Ireland in 2017 in Potchefstroom, where they had beaten them by 249 runs.
India Scores Massive 435/5
India’s batting order was in tremendous form, garnering 435/5, the highest-ever ODI score. This stunning score surpassed the 370/5 they registered in the second game of the series and turned out to be the fourth-highest total in women’s ODIs.
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Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front, belting the fastest ODI century by an Indian batter, reaching the milestone in just 70 balls. Her explosive innings of 135 off 80 balls included 12 fours and seven towering sixes. Mandhana’s opening partner, Pratika Rawal, also put in a brilliant performance, scoring her maiden ODI century. Rawal’s innings of 154 off 129 balls now stands as the third-highest individual score for an Indian woman in ODIs, behind Deepti Sharma (188) and Harmanpreet Kaur (171*).
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A Record-Breaking Partnership
Mandhana and Rawal produced a spectacular batting display, combining for 233 runs for the opening wicket, which was the third highest opening stand for India in ODIs. The tone was set early when Rawal hit three consecutive boundaries off Orla Prendergast in the third over. By the 13th over, the duo had brought up India’s hundred, with both batters reaching their respective fifties soon after.

Mandhana’s acceleration after her life on 12 was something marvelous. She effortlessly dominated the Irish bowlers to reach her hundred in just 70 balls while Rawal had to be content at 72.
Rawal accelerated after her own hundred, taking another 54 runs off just 29 balls to finish with a sensational 154.

Richa Ghosh and Rawal Add to the Fireworks
Richa Ghosh took charge of the game and scored an aggressive 59 off 42 balls after Mandhana’s dismissal. Ghosh and Rawal combined to add 104 runs in just 12 overs. That was enough to take India beyond the 400-run mark with four overs to spare, a scenario that looked certain considering their crushing dominance.
Ireland’s Struggle with the Bat
Chasing an imposing target of 436, Ireland’s innings never got going. Renuka Singh was rested for the game, and Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare opened the bowling. Both bowlers struck early but were inconsistent, conceding 15 extras in the first seven overs.

Ireland showed some resistance through Sarah Forbes and Orla Prendergast, who added 64 runs for the third wicket. Tanuja Kanwar’s breakthrough ended Prendergast’s stay, and Forbes was soon run out attempting a quick single.
The Irish batting lineup crumbled from 100/3 to 131 all out, with Deepti Sharma leading the bowling attack with figures of 3/27. Kanwar also impressed, picking up 2/31 and claiming her maiden ODI wicket.

India’s Record-Breaking Day
The match in Rajkot was historic in many ways. Beyond the margin of victory and the mammoth total, Mandhana set a new standard with her rapid century. Rawal’s innings took her ODI tally to 444 runs in just six matches, the highest-ever total by any batter in their first six ODI innings.

This series has proven India’s supremacy and depth as it has involved both experienced players and new faces. The performance will boost their confidence as they prepare for the tougher challenges ahead.
Looking Ahead
India’s win over Ireland has shown the team’s growing stature in women’s cricket. They have sent a very strong message to the cricketing world by sweeping this series. For Ireland, the series showed them some areas of improvement, especially in terms of bowling discipline and fielding.
India will be looking to continue their consistency and focus for the next assignment, but the record-breaking performance here has set the tone for the future.