India has edged victory with 53 runs and stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, after stunning centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal powered them to a comprehensive 53-run win (DLS method) over New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.
Put in to bat, India piled up a mammoth 340 for 3 in 49 overs after rain interrupted play late in their innings. Mandhana (109 off 95) and Rawal (122 off 134) stitched together a brilliant 212-run partnership for the second wicket to lay a solid foundation. Later, Jemimah Rodrigues provided the finishing flourish with a blistering 76 not out off 55 balls, taking India to their highest-ever World Cup total.
Following another rain delay, New Zealand were handed a revised target of 325 in 44 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Despite valiant efforts from Brooke Halliday (81 off 84) and Isabella Gaze (65* off 51), the White Ferns fell short, managing 271 for 8.
Renuka Singh Thakur was India’s most economical bowler, returning figures of 2 for 25 as the hosts sealed a much-needed win after suffering three consecutive defeats earlier in the tournament.
The victory lifted India to six points, securing their place in the semifinals alongside Australia, England, and South Africa.
Brief Scores:
India: 340/3 in 49 overs (Smriti Mandhana 109, Pratika Rawal 122, Jemimah Rodrigues 76*)
New Zealand: 271/8 in 44 overs (Brooke Halliday 81, Isabella Gaze 65*; Renuka Singh Thakur 2/25)
(With PTI Inputs)
