Rawal, Mandhana headline record-smashing win as India inflict whitewash

Centuries from Pratika Rawal (154) and Smriti Mandhana (135) powered India to a historic 304-run win over Ireland in the final ODI in Rajkot. It was the biggest margin of victory for the hosts in ODIs and came on a day when they posted their biggest ever total in the format, breaching 400 for the first time.

India ended with 435/5. Ireland were rolled over for 131 in 31.4 overs, with just four batters reaching double figures.

Mandhana won the toss and chose to bat. She and Rawal combined for their fourth century stand, a majestic 233-run partnership. Rawal was the passive partner, while Mandhana smashed seven sixes in her 80-ball knock.

Ireland's bowlers struggled to maintain accurate lines against the contrasting strokeplay styles of the two batters. A harmless delivery down the leg-side broke the opening stand when Mandhana clipped it straight to short fine leg. Richa Ghosh came in and chipped in with a 42-ball 59.

Rawal continued to impress, relying on timing and placement rather than raw power. Having missed out on a century three times previously, she converted it to a 150-plus score.

The last six overs produced just 48 runs.

Even factoring in the nature of the pitch, 436 was out of reach for Ireland. Sarah Forbes made 41 off 44 balls and Orla Prendergast 36 off 43, but once their 64-run stand was broken, Ireland collapsed, losing their last eight wickets for just 43 runs. Deepti Sharma led a disciplined bowling performance with 3-27.

Brief scores: India 435/5 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 154, Smriti Mandhana 135; Orla Prendergast 2-71) beat Ireland 131 in 31.4 overs (Sarah Forbes 41, Orla Prendergast 36; Deepti Sharma 3-27) by 304 runs.