A commanding batting display spearheaded by centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal propelled India into the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, triumphing over New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS method) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. India's victory not only secured their place in the top four but also brought an end to New Zealand's campaign. Defending champions Australia, South Africa, and England had already confirmed their spots in the semi-finals.
India, after winning the toss and being asked to bat first, made a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs, their highest ever score in the Women's ODI World Cup. The innings was initially reduced to 49 overs due to rain. In response, New Zealand struggled and were restricted to 271/8 in their allotted 44 overs, revised due to further rain interruptions, falling short of the 325-run target.
The highlight of the Indian innings was the record-breaking 212-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. This partnership set a new benchmark for India in Women's World Cups, surpassing the previous best of 184 runs between Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana reached her 14th ODI century, scoring 109 off 95 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. Rawal's innings of 122 off 134 balls marked her maiden World Cup hundred.
Jemimah Rodrigues further accelerated India's innings with a brisk 76* off 55 balls, adding valuable runs to the total. Despite the dismissal of both openers, Rodrigues' composed innings proved crucial.
New Zealand's chase began poorly, with Suzie Bates falling early to Kranti Gaud. Renuka Singh further compounded their woes by dismissing Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine in quick succession. Brooke Halliday fought valiantly with 81 runs, and Isabella Gaze remained not out on 65, but they couldn't prevent the inevitable. Renuka Singh Thakur finished with 2/25.
India's win snapped a three-match losing streak and marked their fifth World Cup semi-final appearance. They will play again at DY Patil Stadium on October 30th. This victory also meant the elimination of New Zealand and Sri Lanka from the semi-final race.
