NEW DELHI: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Thursday described qualifying for the Women’s World Cup semifinals as “a big relief” after the team bounced back from three straight defeats, having begun the tournament as one of the favourites.

Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal create history with India’s highest World Cup opening partnership

India became the final team to enter the last four, joining Australia, South Africa and England, following a 53 run win over New Zealand via the DLS method in a rain affected contest.

Smriti Mandhana breaks the world record for most sixes in a year during the Women’s World Cup 2025

“For sure, it’s a big relief in terms of qualifying. The last three games were really tough. We thought we played some good cricket but just couldn’t win, so this is really relieving,” Mandhana said at the post match presentation.

The stylish left hander struck a superb 109, her fifth century of the year, while her opening partner Pratika Rawal scored her maiden World Cup hundred with a fluent 122.

The pair added a record 212 runs for the first wicket, guiding India to 340 for 3 in 49 overs, their highest total in the Women’s World Cup, surpassing the 330 they made against Australia earlier in Visakhapatnam.

After another rain interruption, the target was revised to 325 in 44 overs, and the 2000 champions New Zealand could only manage 271 for 8.

Mandhana, named Player of the Match, said her partner deserved the honour equally.
“Pratika deserved this as much as I do,” she said.

Speaking about their partnership, Mandhana added, “We’ve been asked this question for the last eight months, and I don’t think either of us can answer it perfectly. We’re similar people, we both just want to do the job for the team. We don’t talk a lot in the middle. She’s a good anchor and really allows me to play my natural game. When she gets going, I can take the anchor role. That really works for us.”

India had stumbled after wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, losing to South Africa, Australia and England.

“I back myself to play a longer innings once I get to 20. In World Cups, you have to leave a lot of things behind. If you are in form, you need to keep going and not complicate things. That’s what I kept telling myself. I’m feeling good, and that’s what matters,” Mandhana said.

Credit to Smriti and Pratika, says Harmanpreet

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her side for showing character in a must win game.

“Credit goes to the entire team for the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was, the entire team was charged up, and I am happy with how we played. Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for the way they took responsibility and gave us a great start,” she said.

On the challenge of playing a home World Cup, she added, “Whenever you are playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we discuss that this is our home and the crowd is always cheering for us. This is a moment to enjoy rather than putting pressure on ourselves.”

Frustrating tournament for NZ

After three defeats in six games, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine admitted it had been a frustrating campaign.

“We are incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family. Frustrating tournament, would have loved more opportunities to play and with the bat. Credit to them. The target was just too big for us,” Devine said.

(With PTI Inputs)