"Jemimah Rodrigues: A Rising Star in Women's Cricket or One-Time Achievement?"
On January 12, Smriti Mandhana-led India scripted history at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot as they posted their highest ever ODI total. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India posted 370 for five wickets against Ireland in the second ODI of the series. Jemimah Rodrigues achieved a milestone as she scored her international career's maiden century.
India's previous highest ODI total came against Ireland as well. They scored 358/2 in 2017. Last month, they equalled with 358/5 against West Indies in Vadodra.
Rodrigues who made her debut in 2018 on the back of centuries in domestic cricket, crossed the 100-run mark for the first time across formats on the international stage.
Openers continue domination
India got off to a terrific start as Mandhana and young opener dominated Irish bowlers. They crossed the 50-run mark in the eighth over and then accelerated. In the 13th over, Mandhana reached her fifty from 35 balls. Pratika reached her third fifty in style with a maximum off Freya Sargent. She took 53 deliveries to reach her half-century.
Mandhana's catch was dropped in the 19th over. She followed it up with a six and a four but Orla Prendergast managed to break the partnership. The captain departed after scoring 73 runs from 54 balls including 10 fours and a couple of sixes. They shared a 156-run partnership. In the next over, Pratika fell as well. She was trapped in front of the wickets by Georgina Dempsey. The young opener scored 67 runs from 61 balls featuring eight fours and a six.
Harleen, Rodrigues' partnership
Harleen Deol got off to a cautious start. Rodrigues and Deol helped India get to the 200-run mark in the 30th over. The boundaries started to flow and Harleen reached her fifty from 58 balls. In the 40th over, Rodrigues completed her fifty as well. Ireland bowlers continued to toil hard in the absence of left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire who was reported for suspect bowling action. In the 48th over, Arlene Kelly broke the partnership. Harleen scored 89 runs from 84 balls including 12 fours. Harleen and Rodrigues shared a 183-run partnership for the third wicket.
In the penultimate over, Richa Ghosh hit two boundaries before becoming Orla's second victim of the day. In the final over, Rodrigues reached her maiden ODI century with a boundary. On the next ball, she got bowled trying to play a sweep. Her knock of 102 from 91 balls featured 12 fours. India posted 370/5 on the board. Kelly was the most expensive bowler for the visitors as she leaked 82 runs from her quota of 10 overs.
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