Rawal, Hasabnis Shine in 239 Chase as India Takes 1-0 Lead

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India comfortably chased down Ireland’s total of 238/7 in the first ODI in Rajkot, winning by six wickets. Pratika Rawal continued her strong start to international cricket, scoring 89 runs, while Tejal Hasabnis marked her ODI debut with an unbeaten 53. The pair put together a crucial 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket after India briefly faltered, losing Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues.

Rawal, who had earlier played a supportive role to Smriti Mandhana in their opening 70-run partnership, shifted gears after India’s middle-order wobble. Hasabnis, who was given an opportunity due to Harmanpreet Kaur’s injury, made the most of her chance. She brought up her half-century off just 43 balls, showcasing a strong attacking game. Rawal, needing 25 runs to reach her century, tore into Ireland’s Aimee Maguire, hitting her for two fours and a six before holing out on 89, just short of the milestone.

Richa Ghosh entered to finish the game in style, hitting her first two balls for boundaries to seal the win in the 35th over. Hasabnis’ contribution demonstrated her potential as a middle-order hitter for India in the future.

Ireland fought back through Gaby Lewis, who top-scored with 92, and Leah Paul, who made 59. Their 117-run partnership rescued Ireland from 56/4, following early breakthroughs by India’s Priya Mishra. Despite some fielding errors, including four dropped catches, India managed to bowl Ireland out, restricting them to 238. With a strong start from Mandhana (41) and the Rawal-Hasabnis partnership, India chased down the target with ease.

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