India reach semis! Mandhana, Rawal tons sink New Zealand

By Harshit - Oct 24, 2025 06:16 PM
Last updated on Oct 24, 2025 06:16 PM

In a high-voltage clash at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India delivered a stunning all-round performance to storm into the semifinals of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup. The hosts, under immense pressure after three consecutive defeats, bounced back in style to register a commanding 53-run victory over New Zealand via the DLS method.

Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s magnificent centuries set the tone for India’s resurgence, while Jemimah Rodrigues’ aggressive cameo added the finishing flourish. With a balanced bowling attack and disciplined fielding, India ensured New Zealand never found the rhythm to chase down the stiff target.

The win marked India’s official entry into the semifinals, reviving their campaign with renewed belief and momentum. It was a statement victory that reminded fans why India remain one of the most complete sides in women’s cricket.

Mandhana and Rawal Shine with Record Stand

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, India’s openers made full use of a true batting surface. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal were cautious early on, reaching 40 without loss in the first ten overs, before switching gears against a fading New Zealand attack. The duo’s aggressive strokeplay, particularly through the leg side, dismantled Sophie Devine’s plans.

Mandhana was at her elegant best, driving fluently and rotating strike effortlessly. Rawal complemented her perfectly, punishing anything short or full towards mid-wicket and square leg. Their chemistry was evident as they shared a record 212-run opening stand, the highest by an Indian pair in the tournament.

Mandhana reached her century in the 31st over with a flick off Bates, scoring 109 before falling while accelerating. Rawal soon followed with her maiden World Cup ton — a composed 122 — cementing her reputation as India’s most reliable young opener.

Rodrigues Adds Late Fireworks

With the openers dismissed, Jemimah Rodrigues, returning to the XI and promoted to No. 3, provided the perfect finish. Her unbeaten 76 off 55 balls featured 11 fours and a masterclass in placement through the off-side. She used the gaps between cover and mid-off with precision, mixing drives with innovative sweeps to push India’s total beyond 330.

As rain interrupted play at 329/2 in 48 overs, the match was reduced to 49 overs per side. When play resumed, Rodrigues added crucial runs to help India finish at 340/3 — a total that would prove too much for the White Ferns under DLS conditions.

New Zealand’s Chase Falters Early

Chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand’s innings never really took off. Suzie Bates’ early dismissal in the second over set the tone, with Kranti Gaud striking in her first spell. Renuka Singh Thakur, returning to form, struck key blows by removing Georgia Plimmer and captain Sophie Devine in quick succession.

Amelia Kerr offered resistance with a fluent 45 off 53 balls, but India’s bowlers — maintaining consistent lines and sharp field placements — never allowed partnerships to flourish. Every wicket tightened the noose as the asking rate climbed steeply.

Brooke Halliday’s counterattacking 81 off 84 balls, alongside Isabelle Gaze’s gritty 65, gave New Zealand brief hope. However, once Halliday fell with 109 runs still needed, India’s victory was inevitable. The Kiwis ended at 271/8, 53 runs short under DLS, bowing out of semifinal contention.

Clinical Bowling and Fielding Seal the Win

Renuka Singh led the attack with figures of 2/25, ably supported by Gaud and Deepti Sharma’s economical spells. The Indian fielding was sharp throughout, highlighted by Mandhana’s direct-hit run-out and Rawal’s boundary-saving dives near mid-wicket.

Every bowler contributed to the pressure, ensuring that New Zealand’s batters couldn’t settle or rotate the strike freely. India’s coordination in the field reflected renewed spirit — a stark contrast to their earlier matches in the tournament.

India’s Road Ahead

With this crucial win, India became the second team to confirm a semifinal berth. The team’s combination of experienced anchors and fearless young talents appears to have clicked at just the right time. Mandhana’s form at the top and Rawal’s rise as a dependable opener bode well for India’s campaign.

Head coach and skipper both emphasized the need to maintain consistency and composure in the knockout rounds. If India continue in this vein, they could well be eyeing their first World Cup crown in over a decade.

Brief Scores

India: 340/3 in 49 overs (Pratika Rawal 122, Smriti Mandhana 109, Jemimah Rodrigues 76*).
New Zealand: 271/8 in 44 overs (Brooke Halliday 81, Isabelle Gaze 65; Renuka Singh 2/25).
Result: India won by 53 runs (DLS method).

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