Jemimah Rodrigues powers India women to historic ODI milestone

In a historic moment for Indian women's cricket, Jemimah Rodrigues scored her maiden century in 50-over cricket, leading India to a massive total of 370 for 5 in the second ODI against Ireland in Rajkot on Sunday. The Indian top order tore into a struggling Ireland bowling attack, with Rodrigues contributing 102 off 91 balls.

Smriti Mandhana set the stage with an explosive 73 off 54 balls, while debutant Patika Rawal added 67 off 61 balls. Harleen Deol also played a key role, scoring 89 off 84 balls. The team's collective effort marked a major achievement, as this is the first time in India Women’s 48-year ODI history that they have reached a total of 370 runs in a match.

The innings was built around two massive partnerships: a 156-run stand between Mandhana and Rawal off 19 overs, and a 183-run partnership between Rodrigues and Deol off 28 overs. The Indian batters punished the Irish bowlers, hitting 44 boundaries and three sixes in 50 overs.

Rodrigues, who had struggled to convert her starts into big scores in the past, was visibly relieved after reaching her hundred. "It has been a long wait, and I’m glad the team gave me the role at No. 4 and I could deliver," she shared with broadcasters at the break. "The key for me today was to stay till the 50th over. Getting runs isn't difficult for me, but finishing the game was crucial, and I’m glad I could do that."

Rodrigues also spoke about the partnership with Harleen Deol, highlighting how they took their time to assess the conditions before accelerating. "Having Harleen there helped me stay composed, and we kept talking and believing in each other. You can’t take any team lightly," she added, emphasizing that even big scores like 390 have been chased in the past in domestic cricket.