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Lewis leads from the front

But India Women claim win in 1st ODI

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RAJKOT, India – Skipper Gaby Lewis fell for a heartbreaking 92 as her side recovered from 56-4 to post 238-7 thanks largely to a record 5th wicket partnership between Lewis and Leah Paul. Despite the batting recovery and am impressive fielding display, India cruised home in the run chase to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Lewis, playing in her 50th ODI, posted her 11th half-century in the 50-over formay from a patient 75 balls, before pushing on towards what would have been her maiden ODI century. Three times previous Lewis had entered the 90s without getting to three figures, but with her hand badly cramping, she got to 92 in what was a near chanceless innings.

Unfortunately for the Irish captain, a pitched up ball from Sharma was struck firmly straight back to the bowler who grasped the return catch.

As a personal consolation for Lewis, during her innings today she became Ireland Women’s highest run-scorer in ODIs, passing the legendary Miriam Grealey.

Lewis wasn’t doing a solo run, Leah Paul’s 59 – her 7th ODI half-century – helped rescue Ireland from 56-4. Lewis and Paul put on 117 for the 5th wicket – a record in ODIs for Ireland Women.

A quickfire 28 from 25 balls by Arlene Kelly at the death helped push Ireland to 238-7 at the end of their 50 overs.

A combination of deft batting and uncharacteristcally loose bowling then saw the home side achieve the target with 15.3 overs to spare. Ireland’s fielding and catching was noticeably improved, but the Indian batters played the conditions expertly, turning strike over regularly while punishing anything wayward.

The three catches by Orla Prendergast, and the quick hands stumping by Christina Coulter Reilly still created a few highlights, but as Lewis said after the match: “there are plenty of positives to build on for Game Two.”