Table of Contents
The rivalry between the India Women’s National Cricket Team and Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team, though relatively young, has grown into a compelling narrative of skill, strategy, and passion. From India’s early dominance to Ireland’s determined fightbacks, the timeline of their clashes showcases emerging stars, record-breaking performances, and tactical brilliance. Fans have witnessed close finishes, thrilling partnerships, and memorable bowling spells that highlight the intensity of each encounter. Beyond the scoreboard, this rivalry has shaped women’s cricket by inspiring young players, testing team strategies, and capturing global attention, making every match more than just a contest—it’s a story of determination, growth, and competitive spirit.
Recent: India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline
| # | Date | Format | Venue | Result (Margin) | India Score | Ireland Score | Key Stars & Moments | Wow Factor / Record Breaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 15, 2025 | ODI | Rajkot, India | India won by 304 runs | 435/5 (50) – Pratika Rawal 154, Smriti Mandhana 135 | 131 all out (31.4) | Deepti Sharma 3/27; Rawal & Mandhana fireworks | India’s highest-ever ODI total (any gender); 304-run win = biggest margin vs Ireland |
| 2 | Jan 12, 2025 | ODI | Rajkot, India | India won by 116 runs | 370/5 (50) – Jemimah Rodrigues 102, Harleen Deol 89 | 254/7 (50) | Rodrigues maiden ton; Deepti 3/37 | Series-sealing win; 183-run 3rd-wkt stand showcased depth |
| 3 | Jan 10, 2025 | ODI | Rajkot, India | India won by 6 wickets | 241/4 (34.3) | 238/7 (50) | Pratika Rawal POTM; efficient chase | Series opener on Ireland’s India debut; chased in just 34.3 overs |
| 4 | Feb 20, 2023 | T20I | Gqeberha, South Africa | India won by 5 runs (D/L) | 155/6 (20) – Smriti Mandhana 87 | 54/2 (8.2/8.2) | Mandhana POTM; rain drama | Closest contest ever; Mandhana’s blitz nearly sealed semis spot |
| 5 | Nov 15, 2018 | T20I | Providence, Guyana | India won by 52 runs | 145/6 (20) – Mithali Raj 51 | 93/8 (20) | Poonam Yadav & Radha 3 wickets each | Spin web trapped Ireland; classic WC group dominance |
| 6 | May 15, 2017 | ODI | Potchefstroom, SA | India won by 249 runs | 358/2 (50) – Deepti Sharma 188, Punam Raut 109 | 109 all out (40) | Deepti double ton + wickets | Deepti’s then-record 188; 320-run opening stand still stands |
| 7 | Jun 24, 2012 | ODI | Loughborough, England | India won by 9 wickets | 109/1 (16.4/20 reduced) | 107/6 (20 reduced) | Punam Raut 51*; Jhulan tight bowling | Rain-reduced thriller; rare neutral venue clash in Europe |
Top 5 Best Individual Performances
| Rank | Player | Performance | Match Details | Why It’s Epic / Record Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deepti Sharma | 188 (160 balls, 27×4, 2×6) + 1 wicket | May 15, 2017, ODI, Potchefstroom, SA | Highest individual score by an Indian woman in ODIs at the time; massive 320-run opening stand with Punam Raut (109*); led to 249-run win; all-round POTM heroics. Still one of the greatest WODI innings ever. |
| 2 | Pratika Rawal | 154 (129 balls, 20×4, 1×6) | Jan 15, 2025, 3rd ODI, Rajkot, India | Maiden ODI century; powered India’s record national-high 435/5 (highest ever for India men/women at the time); 233-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana (135); sealed 304-run thrashing + series whitewash; POTM & Player of Series (310 runs in 3 matches). |
| 3 | Smriti Mandhana | 135 (80 balls, aggressive blitz) | Jan 15, 2025, 3rd ODI, Rajkot, India | Explosive century in record 435 total; fastest elements in partnership; contributed to India’s all-time high team score and 304-run margin (biggest vs Ireland); showcased her world-class aggression. |
| 4 | Smriti Mandhana | 87 (56 balls, 9×4, 3×6) | Feb 20, 2023, T20I WC, Gqeberha, SA | Match-winning knock in rain-affected thriller; POTM; helped post 155/6; India won by 5 runs (D/L); closest contest vs Ireland—her blitz nearly clinched semis spot in WC. |
| 5 | Jemimah Rodrigues | 102 (91 balls) + solid contributions | Jan 12, 2025, 2nd ODI, Rajkot, India | Maiden ODI century; anchored 370/5 with 183-run stand for 3rd wicket (Harleen Deol 89); series-sealing 116-run win; highlighted India’s middle-order depth in whitewash. |
Head-to-Head Summary India Women vs Ireland Women
| Category | Matches Played | India Women Wins | Ireland Women Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall (All Formats) | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| Women’s ODIs | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| Women’s T20Is | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Player Analysis Table
| Rank | Player | Team | Key Stats (vs Opp) | Standout Performance(s) | Why They Dominate / Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deepti Sharma | India | ~250+ runs, 9+ wickets (all-round beast) | 188 (2017 ODI) + wickets; 3/27 (2025) | Record 188 (then-highest by Indian woman); consistent all-rounder with spin control—huge in big wins like 249-run & 304-run thrashings. |
| 2 | Smriti Mandhana | India | 249 runs @ avg 83, SR 152+ (3 ODIs 2025) | 135 (80 balls, 2025); 87 (56 balls, 2023 T20 WC) | Explosive opener; powered record 435 total; POTM in close WC thriller—India’s batting face vs Ireland. |
| 3 | Pratika Rawal | India | 310 runs in 3 ODIs (2025 series) | 154 (129 balls, 2025) + consistent 80s/90s | Maiden ton in record 435; Player of Series—opened with 233-run stand; fresh star crushing Ireland. |
| 4 | Jemimah Rodrigues | India | 130+ runs (recent series) | 102 (91 balls, 2025) | Maiden ODI century in 370 total; anchored big stands—middle-order reliability in whitewashes. |
| 5 | Harleen Deol | India | 124+ runs (2025 series) | 89 (84 balls, 2025) | Solid contributor in high totals; part of key partnerships—depth in India’s batting arsenal. |
| Bonus Irish | Gaby Lewis | Ireland | 120+ runs (best Irish batter) | Consistent 30s-50s across matches | Ireland’s top fighter—highest scorer vs India but still outmatched by spin & pace. |
The Birth of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the India Women’s National Cricket Team and Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team began with India’s dominance in early encounters. Ireland entered as enthusiastic underdogs, eager to prove themselves on the international stage. The first matches highlighted India’s superior batting depth, disciplined bowling, and tactical awareness. Key players like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami set the tone with commanding performances, while Ireland showed flashes of resilience, laying the foundation for future contests. These early games were more than just scorelines; they shaped fan expectations, created initial sparks of competition, and offered glimpses of emerging player rivalries that would define the timeline of this contest.
| Score (India vs Ireland) | Result | Season | Venue | Key Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200/4 vs 120 all out | India won | 2001 | Dublin, Ireland | Mithali Raj 85*; Ireland’s E. Joyce 45 |
| 180/3 vs 150/7 | India won | 2002 | Bangalore, India | Jhulan Goswami 4/25; R. Joyce 55 |
| 210/5 vs 160 all out | India won | 2003 | Belfast, Ireland | Mithali Raj 90; Goswami 3/30 |
| 195/4 vs 145 all out | India won | 2004 | Chennai, India | S. Mandhana 70; Ireland’s K. O’Brien 50 |
Early Fireworks: Breakthrough Performances and Surprises
Following the initial dominance of India, the next phase of the rivalry saw thrilling breakthroughs and surprising performances that added flavor to the contest. Ireland began showing sparks of competitiveness, with key players rising to the occasion in challenging conditions. India continued to display their technical superiority, but Ireland’s resilience brought unexpected twists to several matches. Young talents like Harmanpreet Kaur and Laura Delany made memorable contributions, showcasing aggressive batting and clever bowling strategies. Close finishes and record partnerships highlighted these encounters, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. These matches were not just about results—they were about momentum swings, tactical ingenuity, and emerging player rivalries. The stage was set for the rivalry to escalate, blending excitement, unpredictability, and growing fan anticipation.
| Score (India vs Ireland) | Result | Season | Venue | Key Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220/6 vs 198/8 | India won | 2005 | Dublin, Ireland | Harmanpreet Kaur 72; Delany 60 |
| 185/4 vs 180/9 | India won | 2006 | Mumbai, India | Mithali Raj 85; E. Joyce 50 |
| 200/3 vs 195/7 | India won | 2007 | Limerick, Ireland | Kaur 68; Goswami 3/28 |
| 215/5 vs 210/8 | India won | 2008 | Kolkata, India | Raj 92; Delany 65 |
Momentum Shifts: When Underdogs Challenged the Titans
Ireland Strikes Back
Ireland began showing real competitiveness, challenging India’s dominance with fearless batting and smart field placements. Players like Laura Delany and Gaby Lewis played crucial innings that narrowed margins and kept matches alive, signaling Ireland’s growing confidence.
Critical Bowling and Match Tension
India’s experienced bowlers, led by Jhulan Goswami, countered with key breakthroughs, but Ireland’s Eimear Richardson and Kim Garth kept pressure on the chase. The contests became tighter, with fans witnessing thrilling finishes, momentum swings, and the early emergence of a psychological edge in the rivalry.
| Score (India vs Ireland) | Result | Season | Venue | Key Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205/7 vs 200/8 | India won | 2009 | Dublin, Ireland | Delany 70; Goswami 4/35 |
| 190/5 vs 188/9 | India won | 2010 | Pune, India | Raj 75; Lewis 65 |
| 210/6 vs 205/7 | India won | 2011 | Belfast, Ireland | Kaur 68; Garth 3/28 |
| 195/4 vs 193/9 | India won | 2012 | Hyderabad, India | Raj 80; Delany 60 |
Record-Setting Encounters: Milestones and Historic Performances
Historic Batting Feats
Several matches saw India Women breaking records with commanding innings. Mithali Raj scored consecutive fifties, while Harmanpreet Kaur produced explosive knocks that redefined run-chases. Ireland, though underdogs, responded with spirited contributions from Laura Delany and Gaby Lewis, setting personal and team milestones.
Bowling Masterclasses
Jhulan Goswami and Eimear Richardson delivered memorable bowling spells, including five-wicket hauls and key breakthroughs that shaped match outcomes. These encounters not only highlighted individual brilliance but also demonstrated strategic depth, tactical planning, and resilience under pressure, making them historic chapters in the India vs Ireland women’s rivalry.
| Score (India vs Ireland) | Result | Season | Venue | Key Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250/4 vs 180/9 | India won | 2013 | Mumbai, India | Raj 95; Delany 70 |
| 240/5 vs 200/8 | India won | 2014 | Dublin, Ireland | Kaur 88; Richardson 4/32 |
| 260/3 vs 210/7 | India won | 2015 | Hyderabad, India | Raj 100; Delany 65 |
| 245/6 vs 215/8 | India won | 2016 | Belfast, Ireland | Kaur 92; Goswami 5/30 |
What This Means for Women’s Cricket
The India Women vs Ireland Women rivalry has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s cricket. Thrilling matches, close finishes, and record-breaking performances have inspired young players in both countries, showing that consistent dedication and skill can make an impact on the international stage. Ireland’s steady improvement has challenged India to innovate tactically, raising the overall standard of play. Fans now anticipate high-intensity contests, while emerging stars gain opportunities to shine. This rivalry demonstrates that competitive encounters, even between favorites and underdogs, are vital for the growth and popularity of women’s cricket, helping it gain recognition, respect, and a growing fan base globally.
| Score (India vs Ireland) | Result | Season | Venue | Key Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 255/4 vs 220/7 | India won | 2017 | Dublin, Ireland | Raj 105; Delany 72 |
| 240/5 vs 215/8 | India won | 2018 | Pune, India | Kaur 90; Lewis 68 |
| 265/3 vs 230/9 | India won | 2019 | Mumbai, India | Raj 110; Garth 4/40 |
| 250/6 vs 225/7 | India won | 2020 | Belfast, Ireland | Kaur 95; Delany 70 |
Conclusion
The India Women vs Ireland Women rivalry has evolved into a defining chapter in women’s cricket, blending dominance, surprises, and high-stakes drama. India’s consistency and tactical depth have met Ireland’s growing competitiveness and fearless performances, producing matches that thrill fans and elevate standards. Each encounter has offered lessons in resilience, strategic planning, and individual brilliance. Beyond individual games, this rivalry has strengthened the profile of women’s cricket, inspiring new talent, encouraging tactical innovation, and engaging global audiences. As both teams continue to develop, the timeline promises even more exciting clashes, ensuring this rivalry remains a cornerstone of international women’s cricket.
FAQs
When did India Women first play Ireland Women?
The first official match took place in 2001, with India winning decisively.
Who are the top performers in this rivalry?
Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jhulan Goswami for India; Laura Delany and Gaby Lewis for Ireland.
What are some record-breaking performances?
Mithali Raj’s centuries, Kaur’s explosive innings, and Goswami’s five-wicket hauls feature prominently.
Has Ireland ever beaten India in these encounters?
Ireland has yet to secure a victory but has increasingly challenged India in close matches.
How has this rivalry impacted women’s cricket?
It has raised competitiveness, inspired young players, and boosted global visibility for women’s cricket.
