NEW DELHI: The India Women’s team booked their spot in the semifinals of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup with a win over New Zealand. The victory was made even more special as Smriti Mandhana grew emotional receiving her first-ever fielding medal in the dressing room.

‘A big relief’: Smriti Mandhana on India’s march to Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinals

Heartwarming medal ceremony in dressing room

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

Soon after the victory, a heartwarming video from the Indian dressing room surfaced. Fielding coach Munish Bali first praised the team’s efforts, saying, "Kisi ne teen catch pakde hain" (Someone has taken three catches). In a dramatic moment, Jemimah Rodrigues then called upon Smriti Mandhana, who was awarded her first-ever fielding medal.

The Indian vice-captain, who took three crucial catches in the match, was seen jokingly crying as she accepted the honour, saying, “First time winning this medal since the ritual was introduced two and a half years ago,” drawing laughter from her teammates.

Mandhana delivers with the bat

Earlier in the game, Mandhana had produced one of her finest World Cup performances, smashing a magnificent 109 off 95 balls with 10 fours and four sixes. She shared a massive 212-run opening stand with fellow centurion Pratika Rawal, setting up India’s dominant win in match 24 of the tournament.

The stylish left-hander’s century also helped her achieve two major records. She surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the world’s leading run-scorer in Women’s ODIs as an opener, and with 31 sixes this year, she now holds the record for the most sixes in a calendar year in Women’s ODIs.