India stormed into the semifinals of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup with a commanding 53-run win over New Zealand via the DLS method in a rain-interrupted clash at Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Openers Smriti Mandhana (109 off 95) and Pratika Rawal (122 off 134) starred with a record 212-run partnership — India’s highest in women’s ODIs — laying the platform for a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs. The total proved far too steep for the White Ferns, who were restricted to 271/8 in a revised 44-over chase.
India joined Australia, England and South Africa in the last four, sealing qualification with a match to spare.
Mandhana And Rawal’s Masterclass
Mandhana produced a sparkling knock filled with fluent drives and lofted sixes, while Rawal’s composed century provided the perfect balance at the other end. “Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for the way they took responsibility. We knew how important this game was, and the team was charged up,” India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said.
Jemimah Rodrigues, returning to the XI, ensured a powerful finish with a blistering 76 off 55 balls*, including nine boundaries.
Rain Interruptions And Revised Target
Rain halted play twice — first after India’s 48th over and again during the innings break — reducing the match to 44 overs per side. New Zealand’s revised target was set at 325, but early breakthroughs left them struggling.
Kranti Gaud dismissed Suzie Bates for one, while Renuka Singh removed both Georgia Plimmer (30) and captain Sophie Devine (6) to leave the White Ferns reeling at 59/3.
Halliday And Gaze Fight In Vain
Amelia Kerr (45) offered brief resistance before being caught by Mandhana at midwicket, leaving New Zealand at 115/4. Brooke Halliday (81 off 84) and Isabella Gaze (65* off 51) added some fight late on, but the required rate proved unmanageable.
We’re incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family. Bloody frustrating tournament. Credit to them. When they have a partnership like that, it’s hard to stay in it, but the girls fought well. Today wasn’t our day.
India’s Top Order Clicks At Last
For India, this was a statement win. The much-criticised top order finally delivered, and the team looked balanced across departments. “It was not easy. Credit goes to the entire team for the way we fought today,” Harmanpreet said. “When Smriti and Pratika put up 200 runs, we knew we could send Jemi up to accelerate. The way she batted is what the world expects from her.”
Brief Scores: India 340/3 in 49 overs (Pratika Rawal 122, Smriti Mandhana 109, Jemimah Rodrigues 76*; Suzie Bates 1-40, Rosemary Mair 1-52) New Zealand 271/8 in 44 overs (target 325) (Brooke Halliday 81, Isabella Gaze 65*, Amelia Kerr 45; Renuka Singh 2-25, Kranti Gaud 2-48) India won by 53 runs (DLS method).
