Image: Jemimah Rodrigues showcased her exceptional fielding in India's ODI / © ESPNcricinfo
The match between India Women and Ireland Women in the ongoing ODI series showcased India’s dominance and fielding brilliance, particularly from Jemimah Rodrigues. India, bowling first, struck early as Titas Sadhu dismissed the opening batter, putting Ireland on the defensive. Struggling to maintain a decent run rate, Ireland found it hard to score boundaries, which added pressure on their batters.
A critical moment came when Una Raymond-Hoey attempted a risky single after playing a shot towards short cover. Her partner, Gaby Lewis, hesitated, leading to a mix-up. Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her exceptional fielding, seized the opportunity with a sharp sprint and a bullet throw to the keeper, resulting in Raymond-Hoey’s dismissal. This run-out highlighted Rodrigues’ athleticism and game awareness.
India entered the match as clear favorites, riding high on confidence after a recent series win against the West Indies. Led by Smriti Mandhana in Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence, India looks poised to secure the series victory. For Ireland, Gaby Lewis stood as their key batter, attempting to anchor the innings under mounting pressure.
India’s sharp fielding and disciplined bowling made it challenging for Ireland to set a competitive target, strengthening their grip on the game and the series.