Ireland’s tough outing against India in the third ODI at Rajkot turned worse as the ICC fined their players 10% of their match fees for maintaining a slow over rate. This comes on the back of a crushing 304-run defeat that handed India a clean sweep in the three-match series.
ICC Sanction for Over-Rate Violation
Match referee G S Lakshmi from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the penalty after Ireland were found two overs short of their target, even after considering time allowances. The sanction, in line with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, mandates a 5% fine of the match fee for every over a team fails to complete in the allotted time.
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis accepted the charge and penalty, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Kim Cotton and Akshay Totre, along with third umpire Virender Sharma and fourth umpire Vrinda Rathi.
India’s Record-Breaking Performance
India dominated the match from the outset, setting a mammoth target of 436—their highest-ever ODI total across men’s and women’s cricket. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal were the stars of the show, delivering a record-breaking opening partnership of 233 runs in just 26.4 overs.
- Mandhana scored an explosive 135 off 80 balls, including 12 fours and 7 sixes.
- Rawal smashed a sensational 154 off 129 balls, hitting 20 fours and a six.
The pair’s heroics helped India post 435/5, surpassing the Indian men’s highest ODI total of 418/5 against West Indies in 2011.
Ireland’s Struggles
Chasing the enormous target, Ireland managed only 131 runs before being bowled out in 31.4 overs. After a solid 64-run partnership between Orla Prendergast (36) and Sarah Forbes (41), India’s spinners dismantled the Irish batting lineup.
- Tanuja Kanwar claimed 2/31, while Deepti Sharma took 3/27, sharing five wickets between them.
- Ireland lost their last seven wickets for just 33 runs after Prendergast’s dismissal, unable to recover from India’s relentless attack.
Largest Margin of Victory
India’s emphatic win by 304 runs is now their largest margin of victory (by runs) in ODIs, surpassing the 249-run victory against Ireland in 2017 at Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Conclusion
While India celebrated a record-breaking performance, Ireland faced a double blow with their defeat and ICC sanctions. For the Irish side, the match served as a tough learning experience, while India’s dominance showcased their growing strength in international cricket.
