Mandhana reflects on India’s ‘near perfect game’ after historic win

A blazing performance in the third ODI against Ireland, led by tons from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, helped India clinch their biggest Women’s ODI win and cap a 3-0 series sweep.

Captain Mandhana led from the front with a breathtaking 135 off 80 balls, with Pratika Rawal also scoring a fine century (154 off 129) as India posted 435/5. It was a record total for India, surpassing their previous best of 370/5.

Deepti Sharma then picked 3/27 as Ireland were bowled out for 131, giving India a 304-run win.

Mandhana's century came at a great clip – she struck at 168.75 – but the Indian opener revealed she hadn't changed much from her usual approach.

“There’s no clear plan," Mandhana said. "If it’s in my arc, I go for it. Some days it comes off, some days it doesn’t. Today, I’m happy that it came off."

Read: India cross major ODI milestone to join New Zealand and Australia in elite club

Mandhana and Rawal put on a phenomenal 233-run opening partnership. Rawal’s 154 was her maiden international century, and India were further boosted by contributions from Richa Ghosh (59) later in the innings.

“I’m really pleased that all the girls got a good game-time,” Madhana said.

“As much you do it in the nets, going out there and scoring runs matters the most. The 100s and 50s from the batters have been really good. I’m happy for them, and the bowlers also executed their plans well.

“[It was a] Near perfect game for sure, winning the toss and going into bat and scoring 400-plus is a really good achievement. One thing is that I told the bowlers to bowl them out in the 31st over, and they achieved that.”

Ireland's response was restricted to just 31.4 overs, with Tanuja Kanwar backing up Deepti Sharma, chipping in with 2 for 31.

Looking ahead, Mandhana emphasized the importance of refining their game before the ICC Women's World Cup later this year.

“As much as we want to enjoy this victory, we want to sit down and be in the loop for the World Cup," she said.

"We need to work on the fielding and running between the wickets. Fifty overs, 300 balls, these two things will be critical. If we are good in these two departments, we can do something special.”