India whitewash Ireland with 304 run victory in a record-breaking day- Talking points

India women's cricket team thrashed Ireland in the third and final WODI, winning by 304 runs in what was a record-breaking day for India, at Rajkot on Wednesday. 

Batting first, India amassed a mammoth 435 runs in 50 overs, with openers Smriti Mandhana (135 runs in 80 balls, 12x4s, 7x6s) and Pratika Rawal (154 runs in 129 balls, 20x4s, 1x6) leading the way for India. 

This is the highest total by India women in WODIs, surpassing the 370 from the previous WODI just two days back. 

The margin of victory is also India's best in WODI history, as India starts 2025 in some style. 

In Smriti and Pratika, India have a formidable opening pair 

A team's batting is only as good as the start given by the openers and it is proving true for Team India's newfound opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. 

The pair notched up their fourth 100+ partnership in just six innings together, and they compliment each other extremely well. 

While Smriti is the natural aggressor, Pratika has not been shying away from inflicting damage as well, putting away bad balls. 

The most striking feature was the pair's running betweent wickets, despite the flurry of boundaries they kept the fielders on their toes. 

Although still early days, this pair has given fans and enthusiasts a lot of promise. 

Pratika's series to remember

Three matches, 310 runs at 103.33, two fifties and a 154 in the third ODI, Pratika Rawal is loving life at the international level. 

After impressing everyone in her debut series against West Indies, she took it many levels up in this series, showing her full array of skills and at least for now, has cemented the opening spot. 

"I’m very happy with how things have gone. It’s always special to score runs, but doing it for the country means so much more," said Pratika in the post-match presentation, after being awarded the player of the match and series. 

Smriti makes it century no.10

After a record-breaking 2024, Smriti, standing in as captain in this series, notched up her 10th century in WODIs to go with her 30 half-centuries. 

Smriti's form at the top goes a long way in how well India's batting unit performs, and she is looking at her fluent best with the bat in hand. 

Today, in particular, Smriti looked in dazzling touch, hitting sixes at will, as many as seven maximums came from her willow as she and Pratika set the perfect platform for India's mammoth score. 

With the World Cup coming, Smriti looking at her best augurs well for Team India's aspirations. 

Perfect start to 2025 for Team India

While Ireland might not be the most fearsome opponents in women's cricket, India still managed to beat them convincingly and in some style. 

After a statement T20i and WODI series win against West Indies to close out 2024, Team India have begun 2025 in the best way possible, a 3-0 whitewash with a lot of boxes ticked. 

"I am really pleased that all the girls got game time. The centuries and fifties from the batters have been fantastic. I’m especially happy for Jemi, Harleen, Pratika, and Richa, they’ve all contributed brilliantly. The bowlers also executed the plans perfectly, which was great to see," said skipper Smriti Mandhana. 

She further added "As much as we want to enjoy this victory, we need to stay focused and prepare for the World Cup. Fielding and running between the wickets will be critical over the course of 50 overs. If we can excel in these two areas, we have the potential to do something special."

What next for Team India

The next assignment for the Indian women's team isn't until the end of June, when they will tour England for a white-ball series consisting five T20i and three WODIs.