The Indian women’s team scripted history by recording their largest victory by margin in the third and final ODI against Ireland. The Indian team had a solid show with the bat and a determined bowling attack which proved too much for the visitors as they were bowled out for 131 runs in 31.4 overs while chasing a mammoth total of 435/5 put together by the Indian team. Thus, the home side won the match by 304 runs leading to a series white-wash on the home soil.
A victory star-studded with history
However, the win was not the only major historic milestone that the Indian team achieved. The Indian total was the highest in the women’s cricket history and opening batter Smriti Mandhana put together a stellar performance with the bat to clinch the fastest ODI century for India off just 70 balls. The most crucial part of that gigantic total was the solid partnership between the opening pair which gave the team a solid base to reach the total.
While Mandhana kept hitting the ball left, right and centre, Pratika Rawal stabilized the Indian innings with an exemplary display of temperament to clinch her maiden ODI century. Thus, both opening batters had an immense contribution in enabling the Indian team to script history.
While the Indian opening pair’s partnership is commendable in every sense, it is not the first time that such a solid partnership developed between two batters in Indian women’s cricket history.
Looking back at the remarkable partnership between Mandhana and Rawal through a historic perspective, here are 5 highest partnerships for Indian women in ODI format.
Also Read: Top 5 highest individual scores for India in Women ODIs ft. Pratika Rawal
5 highest partnership for Indian women in ODIs
5. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues (190 runs):
In the first ODI of the 2019 series against New Zealand Women in Napier, Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues crafted a stellar 190-run opening partnership, propelling India to a dominant eight-wicket victory. Mandhana was in sublime form, scoring a match-winning 105 off 104 balls, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes, while Rodrigues played a composed supporting role, contributing a vital 81 off 94 deliveries. Their record-breaking stand dismantled the Blackcaps bowling attack. This partnership was instrumental in India’s successful pursuit of the 193-run target, achieved with 17.5 overs to spare, marking a resounding start to the series.
4. Anjum Chopra and Jaya Sharma (223* runs):
In a 2005 ODI match against Pakistan Women in Karachi, Anjum Chopra and Jaya Sharma delivered a masterclass in batting with a record 223-run partnership for the third wicket. The remarkable stand from the two batters was the cornerstone of India’s imposing total, as both batters displayed exceptional skill and composure. Sharma led the charge with a scintillating 138, anchoring the innings with precision and aggression, while Chopra contributed a classy 86, complementing Sharma perfectly. The partnership not only dismantled the opposition bowling attack but also set the stage for a commanding Indian victory. This remarkable performance highlighted their synergy and resilience, etching their names in the record books and strengthening India’s dominance in women’s cricket.
3. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal (233 runs):
The opening pair forged a formidable 233-run partnership against Ireland Women. Mandhana’s explosive 135 off 80 balls, featuring 12 fours and seven sixes, marked her tenth ODI century and the fastest by an Indian woman, achieved in just 70 balls. Rawal complemented her captain with a maiden ODI century, scoring 154 off 129 deliveries, including 20 fours and a six. Their stand propelled India to a commanding total of 435/5, the fourth-highest in women’s ODI history.
2. Mithali Raj and Reshma Gandhi (258* runs):
In a landmark performance during the 1999 ODI against Ireland Women in Milton Keynes, Mithali Raj and Reshma Gandhi forged an unbroken 258-run partnership for the first wicket, setting a then-world record in women’s cricket. Mithali, making her ODI debut, announced her arrival in grand style with an exquisite 114* off 146 balls, showcasing impeccable technique and maturity beyond her years. Gandhi, equally impressive, played a steady hand, contributing an unbeaten 104 off 114 deliveries. Their flawless partnership propelled India to 258/0 in 50 overs, a commanding total that highlighted their dominance. This remarkable feat not only secured a massive 161-run victory but also marked a defining moment in women’s cricket, with Mithali establishing herself as a future star.
1. Punam Raut and Deepti Sharma (320 runs):
During the 2017 Women’s Quadrangular Series, Punam Raut and Deepti Sharma delivered a phenomenal 320-run partnership for the first wicket against Ireland Women. This stand remains the highest in women’s ODI cricket history. Deepti led the charge with a breathtaking 188 off 160 balls, the second-highest individual score in women’s ODIs, featuring 27 boundaries and 2 sixes. Raut played a perfect anchor role, scoring a steady 109 off 116 deliveries. Their partnership powered India to a mammoth 358/3 in 50 overs, setting a daunting target. The bowlers then complemented the batting effort, dismissing Ireland for just 109, securing an emphatic 249-run victory.
Also Read: Twitter reactions: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal shine as India beat Ireland in the 3rd ODI to complete series whitewash
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
