The rivalry between the India Women’s National Cricket Team and Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team may not be the biggest in women’s cricket, but it has produced several memorable moments over the years. India entered these contests as favorites because of their experienced batting lineup, strong spin attack, and consistent ICC performances. Ireland, however, built a reputation for fearless cricket and fighting spirit. From calm innings by Mithali Raj to explosive knocks from Smriti Mandhana, the rivalry has featured dramatic partnerships, bowling masterclasses, and tense moments that showcased the steady growth of women’s international cricket.
Recent Matches Timeline
Date
Format
Venue
Scores
Match Result
15 Jan 2025
ODI
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
IND-W: 435/5 (50 ov) IRE-W: 131 (31.4 ov)
India Women won by 304 runs
12 Jan 2025
ODI
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
IND-W: 370/5 (50 ov) IRE-W: 254/7 (50 ov)
India Women won by 116 runs
10 Jan 2025
ODI
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
IRE-W: 238/7 (50 ov) IND-W: 241/4 (34.3 ov)
India Women won by 6 wickets
20 Feb 2023
T20I
St George’s Park, Gqeberha
IND-W: 155/6 (20 ov) IRE-W: 54/2 (8.2 ov)
India Women won by 5 runs (DLS)
15 Nov 2018
T20I
Providence Stadium, Georgetown
IND-W: 145/6 (20 ov) IRE-W: 93/8 (20 ov)
India Women won by 52 runs
15 May 2017
ODI
Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
IND-W: 358/2 (50 ov) IRE-W: 109 (40 ov)
India Women won by 249 runs
Head-to-Head Evolution
Format
Total Matches
India Women Won
Ireland Women Won
Era of Dominance
One Day Internationals (WODI)
15
15
0
1993 – 2025
Twenty20 Internationals (WT20I)
2
2
0
2018 – 2023
Total Short-Form Matches
17
17
0
100% Win Rate
Top Statistical Performances
Player
Team
Discipline
Record Performance
Match Date and Venue
Format
Deepti Sharma
India
Batting
188 runs (160 balls)
15 May 2017 – Potchefstroom
WODI
Pratika Rawal
India
Batting
154 runs (129 balls)
15 Jan 2025 – Rajkot
WODI
Smriti Mandhana
India
Batting
135 runs (80 balls)
15 Jan 2025 – Rajkot
WODI
Thirush Kamini
India
Batting
113 runs
10 Feb 2017 – Colombo
WODI
Punam Raut
India
Batting
109 runs
15 May 2017 – Potchefstroom
WODI
Jemimah Rodrigues
India
Batting
102 runs (94 balls)
12 Jan 2025 – Rajkot
WODI
Gaby Lewis
Ireland
Batting
92 runs
10 Jan 2025 – Rajkot
WODI
Smriti Mandhana
India
Batting
87 runs
20 Feb 2023 – Gqeberha
WT20I
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
India
Bowling
4 / 18
15 May 2017 – Potchefstroom
WODI
Radha Yadav
India
Bowling
3 / 25
15 Nov 2018 – Georgetown
WT20I
Deepti Sharma
India
Bowling
3 / 27
15 Jan 2025 – Rajkot
WODI
Laura Delany
Ireland
Bowling
3 / 33
20 Feb 2023 – Gqeberha
WT20I
Aimee Maguire
Ireland
Bowling
3 / 57
10 Jan 2025 – Rajkot
WODI
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches
Date
Format
Tournament / Series
Match Scores
Win Margin
Type of Margin
15 Jan 2025
WODI
Ireland Tour of India
IND: 435/5 (50 ov) IRE: 131 (31.4 ov)
304 runs
Biggest Win (Runs)
15 May 2017
WODI
South Africa Quadrangular Series
IND: 358/2 (50 ov) IRE: 109 (40 ov)
249 runs
2nd Biggest Win (Runs)
07 May 2017
WODI
South Africa Quadrangular Series
IRE: 96 (44.4 ov) IND: 99/0 (18.4 ov)
10 wickets
Biggest Win (Wickets)
20 Feb 2023
WT20I
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
IND: 155/6 (20 ov) IRE: 54/2 (8.2 ov)
5 runs (DLS)
Closest Match (Runs)
10 Jan 2025
WODI
Ireland Tour of India
IRE: 238/7 (50 ov) IND: 241/4 (34.3 ov)
6 wickets
Closest Match (Wickets)
When Ireland First Challenged India Women
The rivalry between the India Women’s National Cricket Team and Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team started as a one-sided contest, but it slowly developed into a competitive international matchup. India entered the rivalry with more experience, stronger batting depth, and quality spin bowling. Ireland, however, used discipline and determination to stay competitive. Early matches showed India’s tactical dominance while Ireland learned to handle pressure at the international level. Players like Mithali Raj controlled matches calmly, while Ireland focused on fighting spirit and sharp fielding. These games also helped women’s cricket grow in popularity among fans who enjoyed the contrast between India’s attacking style and Ireland’s fearless underdog mentality.
Season
Score
Winner
Best Performance
Match Impact
2006
IND 240/5 vs IRE 118
India Women
Mithali Raj 77
Dominant start
2007
IND 198/7 vs IRE 150
India Women
Jhulan 4 wickets
Bowling control
2008
IND 220/4 vs IRE 140
India Women
Rumeli Dhar all-round show
Tactical dominance
2009
IND 210/6 vs IRE 165
India Women
Harmanpreet cameo
Rising rivalry
Mithali Raj Controlled the Rivalry With Calm Authority
Mithali Raj played a major role in shaping this rivalry with her calm batting and leadership. Whenever India lost early wickets, Mithali rebuilt the innings with patience and timing. Ireland struggled to stop her consistency, especially during ODI matches where her partnerships created pressure. Despite repeated defeats, Ireland never looked intimidated. Their bowlers used tight lines and disciplined field settings to challenge India’s middle order. The rivalry became emotionally intense because Ireland often showed improvement in every series. Indian fans admired their team’s professionalism, while Irish supporters celebrated every breakthrough wicket. These matches highlighted the mental side of cricket where experience battled determination and every close spell added tension to the contest.
Season
Score
Winner
Best Performance
Key Moment
2010
IND 245/4 vs IRE 180
India Women
Mithali Raj 89
Match control
2011
IND 210/6 vs IRE 160
India Women
Goswami 4/22
Early breakthroughs
2012
IND 230/5 vs IRE 170
India Women
Harmanpreet 64
Middle overs attack
2013
IND 250/7 vs IRE 190
India Women
Shillington 47
Ireland resistance
World Cup Matches Added Real Pressure
ICC tournament matches between India Women’s National Cricket Team and Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team carried greater pressure because qualification points and momentum mattered heavily. India usually depended on experienced batters and spin bowlers during these games, while Ireland focused on disciplined seam bowling and smart field placements. The pressure of global tournaments created emotional moments for both teams. Indian batters attacked during powerplays, but Ireland often fought back through tight bowling spells. Several World Cup meetings included collapses, partnerships, and tactical captaincy decisions that changed momentum quickly. Fans closely followed these contests because every run affected tournament standings and both teams played with far greater intensity than regular bilateral matches.
Tournament
Score
Winner
Top Performance
Turning Point
ICC WC 2013
IND 284/6 vs IRE 156
India Women
Raj-Kaur partnership
Big batting stand
ICC Qualifier
IND 235/4 vs IRE 180
India Women
Early wickets
Powerplay collapse
ICC Event
IND 260/7 vs IRE 200
India Women
Spin attack
Middle overs pressure
ICC Group Match
IND 240/5 vs IRE 145
India Women
Deepti Sharma spell
Ireland collapse
Smriti Mandhana Changed India’s Batting Approach
Smriti Mandhana brought aggression and fearless strokeplay into this rivalry. Earlier Indian teams preferred careful batting, but Mandhana changed the tempo with attacking drives and fast scoring during powerplays. Ireland’s bowlers suddenly faced more pressure because India started dominating from the opening overs. Fans loved the aggressive intent as boundaries arrived quickly and momentum shifted rapidly. Ireland responded with younger players who tried to attack instead of only defending totals. Matches became more entertaining because both sides showed positive cricket. Mandhana’s quick fifties often broke Ireland’s confidence early, while Ireland’s counterattacks created dramatic moments. This period marked the transformation of the rivalry into a faster and more modern style of women’s international cricket.
Season
Score
Winner
Best Performance
Match Highlight
2017
IND 275/3 vs IRE 190
India Women
Mandhana 90
Aggressive batting
2018
IND 260/5 vs IRE 210
India Women
Harmanpreet 70
Fast middle overs
2019
IND 240/4 vs IRE 200
India Women
Gaby Lewis 55
Fighting chase
2020
IND 220/2 vs IRE 150
India Women
Mandhana fifty
Quick powerplay
Bowling Battles Often Decided the Matches
Bowling played a huge role in the rivalry because India’s attack usually controlled the middle overs. Jhulan Goswami regularly troubled Ireland with swing bowling and accurate lines. India also relied heavily on spin bowlers who slowed scoring rates and forced mistakes. Ireland’s bowlers lacked the same depth but still produced disciplined performances. Tight field settings and patient bowling plans helped Ireland stay competitive even when defending smaller totals. Fans appreciated these tactical battles because wickets often changed momentum suddenly. Some of the rivalry’s best moments came from dramatic collapses caused by bowling pressure rather than explosive batting. These contests showed the importance of strategy and patience in women’s international cricket.
Bowler
Score Impact
Winner
Best Figures
Tactical Result
Jhulan Goswami
Ireland collapse
India Women
5/17
Early wickets
Poonam Yadav
Middle-order pressure
India Women
4/24
Spin dominance
Laura Delany
India slowed down
Competitive Match
3/31
Tight overs
Gayakwad
Ireland restricted
India Women
4 wickets
Controlled chase
Ireland’s Closest Attempts to Defeat India
Although India dominated most matches, Ireland produced several strong performances that nearly created major upsets. These close contests increased respect between both teams and made the rivalry more emotional. Ireland’s batters occasionally handled India’s bowling attack with confidence, while their bowlers forced pressure during difficult run chases. Fans experienced tense moments with dropped catches, nervous singles, and dramatic final overs. India often escaped because of experienced players who stayed calm under pressure. Ireland’s fighting attitude impressed cricket audiences worldwide and showed the growing quality of their women’s team. These matches proved the rivalry was becoming more competitive and no longer completely one-sided. Every narrow defeat gave Ireland more belief for future tournaments and bilateral series.
Season
Score
Winner
Best Performance
Pressure Moment
2015
IND 201/8 vs IRE 190
India Women
Cecelia Joyce
Final overs tension
2018
IND 230/6 vs IRE 220
India Women
Gaby Lewis
Missed catch
2022
IND 250/5 vs IRE 230
India Women
Renuka Singh spell
Late wickets
2023
IND 260/4 vs IRE 240
India Women
Mandhana innings
Run-rate pressure
Records and Statistical Dominance in the Rivalry
Statistically, India Women’s National Cricket Team have dominated the rivalry through stronger batting depth, experienced leadership, and world-class bowling attacks. India consistently posted higher totals and controlled pressure situations better than Ireland. Players like Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandhana, and Jhulan Goswami produced match-winning performances repeatedly. Ireland, however, improved steadily with disciplined bowling and more aggressive batting approaches. Their progress became visible through closer scorecards and stronger partnerships in recent years. Fans now view these contests as important for the growth of women’s cricket because they showcase both elite experience and emerging talent on the international stage.
Record Type
India Women
Ireland Women
Star Player
Achievement
Highest Team Score
300+
220+
Mandhana
Dominant innings
Best Bowling Figures
5 wickets
4 wickets
Goswami
Match-winning spell
Highest Partnership
150+
90+
Raj and Mandhana
Record stand
Most Runs
India leads
Competitive effort
Mithali Raj
Consistent scoring
Conclusion
Over the years, the rivalry between the India Women’s National Cricket Team and Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team has evolved from predictable contests into competitive and entertaining encounters. India’s experience, tactical awareness, and world-class performers often gave them the advantage, but Ireland continuously improved with disciplined bowling and fearless batting. The rivalry helped both teams grow while also increasing global attention toward women’s cricket. Fans witnessed emotional finishes, memorable scorecards, and rising young stars who added fresh energy to every series. As women’s cricket continues expanding worldwide, future clashes between these two teams promise even greater intensity, stronger competition, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
