IND vs IRE: Indian Women Aim to Maintain Winning Streak Under Smriti Mandhana’s Captaincy

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After a stellar performance against the West Indies, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, led by Smriti Mandhana, is set to face Ireland in the first-ever bilateral Women’s ODI series starting Friday. The team is riding high on confidence after defeating the West Indies 3-0 in the ODI series and 2-1 in the T20s. Mandhana, who scored the most runs in both formats—148 in ODIs and 193 in T20s—will look to continue her impressive form.

Leadership and Key Performers

Mandhana will also take on the captaincy responsibilities in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and pace spearhead Renuka Singh, both of whom have been rested. With Kaur and Singh unavailable, the responsibility for scoring runs will fall on Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, and Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed 160, 134, and 112 runs, respectively, in the ODIs against the West Indies.

Bowling Unit: Missing Renuka Singh

The absence of Renuka Singh, who claimed 10 wickets against the West Indies, will be felt. The onus now lies on new-ball bowlers Titas Sadhu and Saima Thakor. Sadhu, who has taken three ODI and 13 T20 wickets, is known for her pace and swing, while Thakor has picked up seven wickets in eight ODIs. Their performance will be crucial in providing early breakthroughs.

Deputy Captain Deepti Sharma’s Role

Vice-captain and off-spinner Deepti Sharma will play a pivotal role after her exceptional six-wicket haul (6/31) in the third ODI against the West Indies. She will be supported by spinners Priya Mishra and Tanuja Kanwar. All-rounders Raghavi Bisht and Sayali Satghare also have an opportunity to shine in this series.

Challenging Ireland

Ireland, led by Gaby Lewis, faces a tough challenge as they have never defeated India in an ODI. Their last encounter was during the 2023 T20 World Cup, where India narrowly won by five runs. Ireland’s squad includes key players like Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, and Alana Dalzell, who will aim to upset the Indian team.

Probable Playing XI

India:

Smriti Mandhana (C), Deepti Sharma, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Minnu Mani/Raghavi Bisht, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwar, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor.

Ireland:

Gaby Lewis (C), Rebecca Stokell/Sarah Forbes, Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, Una Raymond Hoey, Joanna Loughran (WK), Arlene Kelly, Alana Dalzell, Freya Sargent, Amy Maguire, Ava Canning.

Squads:

India: Smriti Mandhana (C), Deepti Sharma, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry, Richa Ghosh, Tejal Hasambis, Raghavi Bisht, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwar, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Sayali Satghare.

Ireland: Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Amy Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell.

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