Team India sealed their place in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup semi-finals after defeating New Zealand by 53 runs (via the Duckworth-Lewis method) in a rain-affected match on Thursday. With this victory, India became the fourth team to enter the semi-finals, joining Australia, South Africa, and England.
The win came on the back of brilliant centuries from Smriti Mandhana (109) and Pratika Rawal (122), followed by disciplined bowling. After losing their previous three matches, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side needed a win at the DY Patil Stadium to keep their campaign alive — and they delivered in style.
Mandhana and Rawal set the tone with a record 212-run opening partnership, the highest for any wicket in this World Cup. Later, Jemimah Rodrigues added an explosive 76* off 55 balls, helping India post a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs.
Due to rain, New Zealand’s target was revised to 325 runs in 44 overs. Despite valiant half-centuries from Brooke Halliday (81) and Isabelle Gaze (65*), New Zealand managed only 271/8 in 44 overs.
Among the Indian bowlers, Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaur took two wickets each, while Sneh Rana, Shri Charani, Deepti Sharma, and Rawal claimed one apiece.
The match was interrupted by rain during India’s innings for about 90 minutes, reducing the contest to 49 overs each side. However, a second spell of rain after India’s innings further cut New Zealand’s chase to 44 overs.
New Zealand’s start was shaky — they lost Suzie Bates early in the second over while trying to pull Kranti Gaur. Renuka Singh then struck twice, removing Georgia Plimmer (30) and captain Sophie Devine (6), reducing the Kiwis to 59/3.
Amelia Kerr (45) looked promising but fell short of her half-century after miscuing a sweep off Sneh Rana to Mandhana. After Rawal’s century, she also contributed with the ball, dismissing Maddy Green (18) — leaving New Zealand reeling at 154/5.
Halliday’s dismissal in the 39th over sealed New Zealand’s fate, despite Gaze’s resistance. The target was simply too steep.
Batting first on a favorable pitch, India capitalized on the conditions beautifully. Mandhana’s 95-ball century included 10 fours and 4 sixes, marking her third World Cup century and 14th ODI century, bringing her close to breaking Meg Lanning’s record of 15 ODI centuries — the most by any female player.
Rawal, on the other hand, showcased perfect composure, scoring 122 runs off 134 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes, registering her first World Cup hundred and second overall.
Rodrigues, who was benched in the previous match, made a stunning return with the fastest half-century of the World Cup, reaching 50 off just 39 balls and finishing unbeaten on 76.
The 212-run opening stand between Mandhana and Rawal was not only the highest partnership in this World Cup across all teams but also India’s best-ever stand in Women’s World Cup history.
Mandhana’s aggressive stroke play, Rawal’s stability, and Rodrigues’ late flourish ensured India’s dominance. The team’s all-round performance now puts them firmly in contention for the World Cup title.
