Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s a passion that unites millions. The India Women’s National Cricket Team has been a powerhouse in women’s cricket, showcasing talent, grit, and determination on the global stage. On the other hand, the Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team, though relatively new to the international scene, has been steadily making its mark with a young and spirited squad. The encounters between these two teams, while not as frequent as some other rivalries, have produced some memorable moments in women’s cricket history. In this article, we’ll take a friendly, easy-to-read journey through the timeline of matches between India Women and Ireland Women, culminating in a detailed table summarizing their clashes. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just curious about the sport, this story is for you!
A Brief Introduction to India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline Both Teams
Before diving into the timeline, let’s get to know the teams a bit. The India Women’s National Cricket Team, led by stars like Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, is one of the top teams in women’s cricket. Known for their aggressive batting, sharp bowling, and athletic fielding, they’ve consistently ranked among the best in the ICC Women’s Championship. India has a rich cricketing culture, and the women’s team has been breaking barriers, inspiring young girls across the country to pick up a bat or ball.
The Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team, meanwhile, represents both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, governed by Cricket Ireland. They made their One-Day International (ODI) debut in 1987 against Australia, a full 19 years before the men’s team. Despite being considered underdogs, Ireland has shown remarkable progress, with players like Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast leading the charge. Their journey is one of resilience, as they’ve faced top teams while building their reputation in international cricket.
Now, let’s explore the timeline of their encounters, focusing on key matches, standout performances, and the growth of this rivalry.
Early Encounters: The 1990s and 2000s
The India Women’s and Ireland Women’s cricket teams first crossed paths during the early days of women’s international cricket, primarily in World Cup tournaments. Ireland, despite being a newer team, showed early promise by qualifying for multiple World Cups, while India was establishing itself as a strong contender.
1993 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The first recorded meeting between India Women and Ireland Women was during the 1993 Women’s Cricket World Cup in England. This was a time when women’s cricket was still growing, and both teams were eager to prove themselves. Unfortunately, detailed match records from this era are sparse, and specific scorecards from this encounter are not widely available. However, we know that India finished fifth in the tournament, while Ireland struggled against stronger teams, marking the beginning of their competitive history.
2000 Women’s Cricket World Cup
Fast forward to the 2000 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, where the two teams met again. India, with a more experienced squad, dominated this encounter. Ireland, still finding their footing, faced a tough challenge against India’s disciplined bowling attack and solid batting lineup. India’s victory in this match was part of their strong campaign, where they reached the semifinals, showcasing their growing prowess.
2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2005 World Cup in South Africa saw another clash between India and Ireland. By this time, India was a force to be reckoned with, boasting players like Mithali Raj, who would go on to become one of the greatest in women’s cricket. Ireland, though improving, couldn’t match India’s depth. India secured a convincing win, with their spinners and batters overwhelming the Irish side. This match highlighted the gap between the two teams, as India’s professional setup contrasted with Ireland’s developing infrastructure.
A Gap in Bilateral Series
Interestingly, India and Ireland didn’t face each other in bilateral ODI series for many years. Most of their encounters were in multi-team tournaments like the World Cup or quadrangular series, where they played as part of larger events. This was largely due to Ireland’s limited ODI fixtures and India’s focus on playing established teams like Australia, England, and South Africa. However, Ireland’s participation in events like the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers kept them in the international spotlight, even if they didn’t face India directly.
The 2017 Quadrangular Series: A Turning Point
A significant moment in the India-Ireland cricket timeline came during the 2017 Women’s Quadrangular Series in South Africa, which also included South Africa and Zimbabwe. This tournament provided a platform for Ireland to test themselves against top teams, including India.
India vs Ireland, May 2017
In Potchefstroom, South Africa, India Women delivered a crushing performance against Ireland, winning by 249 runs—one of the biggest victory margins in women’s ODI history. India posted a massive total, thanks to centuries from Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut, while their bowlers, led by Shikha Pandey, bowled out Ireland for a low score. This match underscored India’s dominance and Ireland’s struggle to compete with top-tier teams, but it also gave Ireland’s young players valuable exposure.
The 2023 T20 World Cup: A Thrilling T20 Encounter
While most of their meetings have been in ODIs, India and Ireland also faced off in the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. This match was a departure from their one-sided ODI encounters, as T20 cricket often levels the playing field.
India vs Ireland, February 2023
In a closely contested match, India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, narrowly defeated Ireland by five runs. India posted a competitive total, with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma setting the tone. Ireland, powered by Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast, put up a spirited chase but fell just short. This match was a testament to Ireland’s growing competitiveness, as they pushed a top team like India to the brink. It also highlighted the excitement of T20 cricket, where underdogs can challenge favorites on any given day.
The Historic 2025 Bilateral Series: A Milestone
The most significant chapter in the India-Ireland women’s cricket timeline came in January 2025, when Ireland Women toured India for their first-ever bilateral ODI series. Hosted at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, this three-match series was part of the 2022–2025 ICC Women’s Championship. It marked a historic moment, as it was Ireland’s first bilateral series against India on Indian soil. Let’s break down each match:
1st ODI, January 10, 2025
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and chose to bat, but her team struggled early, slumping to 56/4. A resilient 117-run partnership between Lewis (92) and Leah Paul (59) helped Ireland reach a respectable 238/7. India’s bowlers, including debutant Sayali Satghare and Priya Mishra, kept the pressure on, but dropped catches allowed Ireland to recover.
In response, India’s chase was anchored by Pratika Rawal (89) and Tejal Hasabnis (53*), who forged a 116-run partnership. Smriti Mandhana’s quickfire start set the tone, and India cruised to a six-wicket victory with over 15 overs to spare. Pratika Rawal was named Player of the Match for her composed knock, signaling her arrival as a rising star.
2nd ODI, January 12, 2025
India opted to bat first and posted a massive 370/5, their highest ODI total at the time. Jemimah Rodrigues stole the show with her maiden ODI century (102), supported by half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana (73), Pratika Rawal (67), and Harleen Deol (89). Ireland’s bowlers struggled, with Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly taking two wickets each but conceding runs aplenty.
Ireland’s chase was spirited but never threatened the target. Christina Coulter Reilly’s maiden ODI fifty (80) and contributions from Sarah Forbes (38) and Laura Delany (37) helped Ireland reach 254/7, but India won by 116 runs. Deepti Sharma’s three wickets in her 100th ODI were crucial, and India sealed the series 2-0. Jemimah Rodrigues was named Player of the Match for her stylish century.
3rd ODI, January 15, 2025
The final match saw India rewrite the record books. Batting first, they smashed 435/5, their highest-ever ODI total and the fourth-highest in women’s ODI history. Smriti Mandhana (135) and Pratika Rawal (154) shared a 233-run opening stand, with Mandhana’s century coming off just 70 balls—the fastest by an Indian woman. Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 59 added to Ireland’s woes.
Ireland’s chase was derailed early, with only Sarah Forbes (41) showing resistance. India’s spinners, led by Deepti Sharma, Tanuja Kanwer, and Minnu Mani, took six wickets to bowl Ireland out for 131 in 31.4 overs. India won by 304 runs—their biggest ODI victory margin ever. Pratika Rawal was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for her 310 runs, including a century and two fifties.
What the 2025 Series Meant
The 2025 series was a landmark for both teams. For India, it was a chance to showcase their depth, with young players like Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis stepping up alongside veterans like Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma. The series also strengthened India’s position in the ICC Women’s Championship, as they prepared to host the 2025 ODI World Cup.
For Ireland, the series was a learning experience. Facing a top team like India on their home turf was daunting, but players like Gaby Lewis, Christina Coulter Reilly, and Orla Prendergast showed promise. Ireland’s ability to bat out 50 overs in the first two ODIs was a positive sign, even if the massive totals were out of reach. The series highlighted areas for improvement, especially in bowling, as they gear up for the 2025 World Cup Qualifiers.
Key Takeaways from the India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline, though limited, tells a story of growth and contrast. India’s dominance reflects their strong cricketing infrastructure, while Ireland’s progress shows their potential to compete with the best. Standout performers like Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues for India, and Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast for Ireland, have added flair to this rivalry.
The 2025 series also highlighted the importance of bilateral series in women’s cricket. Such tours give associate nations like Ireland exposure to top teams, helping them bridge the gap. For fans, these matches were a treat, showcasing thrilling centuries, tight bowling spells, and moments of brilliance.
Full Table of India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing all known matches between India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline, based on available records up to July 2025.
|
Date |
Format |
Tournament/Series |
Venue |
Result |
Key Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
July 1993 |
ODI |
Women’s Cricket World Cup |
England |
India won (details unavailable) |
Limited records; India finished 5th in the tournament. |
|
December 2000 |
ODI |
Women’s Cricket World Cup |
New Zealand |
India won (details unavailable) |
India reached semifinals; Ireland struggled against stronger teams. |
|
March 2005 |
ODI |
Women’s Cricket World Cup |
South Africa |
India won (details unavailable) |
India’s spinners and batters dominated; Mithali Raj likely a key player. |
|
May 2017 |
ODI |
Women’s Quadrangular Series |
Potchefstroom, South Africa |
India won by 249 runs |
Deepti Sharma and Poonam Raut (centuries), Shikha Pandey (bowling) for India. |
|
February 2023 |
T20I |
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup |
South Africa |
India won by 5 runs |
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma (batting) for India; Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast for Ireland. |
|
January 10, 2025 |
ODI |
Ireland Women’s Tour of India, 1st ODI |
Rajkot, India |
India won by 6 wickets |
Pratika Rawal (89), Tejal Hasabnis (53*) for India; Gaby Lewis (92), Leah Paul (59) for Ireland. |
|
January 12, 2025 |
ODI |
Ireland Women’s Tour of India, 2nd ODI |
Rajkot, India |
India won by 116 runs |
Jemimah Rodrigues (102), Harleen Deol (89), Smriti Mandhana (73), Pratika Rawal (67) for India; Christina Coulter Reilly (80) for Ireland. |
|
January 15, 2025 |
ODI |
Ireland Women’s Tour of India, 3rd ODI |
Rajkot, India |
India won by 304 runs |
Pratika Rawal (154), Smriti Mandhana (135), Richa Ghosh (59) for India; Sarah Forbes (41) for Ireland. |
Sources:,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Looking Ahead
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline rivalry is still young, but it’s full of potential. As Ireland continues to develop their women’s cricket program, we can expect more competitive matches in the future. India, with their eyes on the 2025 ODI World Cup, will use series like these to nurture young talent and maintain their dominance. For fans, the blend of India’s firepower and Ireland’s fighting spirit makes for exciting cricket.
