Navi Mumbai: Under gray skies and mounting pressure, the Indian women’s cricket team made a thunderous statement of intent – defeating New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS method) in the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, securing the fourth and final semi-final berth at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
It was a game that lived up to expectations. Three defeats had pushed India to the brink and their qualification scenarios were hanging by a thread. But on Thursday, the women in blue turned things around with a masterclass in hitting technique, composure and teamwork.
Mandhana and Rawal lead the attack
Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal were the architects of India’s revival. After a brief rain delay, the pair were asked to bat first and launched an attack that New Zealand failed to contain. Their 212-run partnership – India’s highest in Women’s World Cup history – was a sight to behold.
Mandhana, who had struggled for runs earlier in the tournament, found her rhythm again with a fluent 109 off 95 balls, filled with elegant cover drives and bold shots around the wicket. At the other end, Pratika Rawal was full of courage and grace, scoring a measured 122 from 134 deliveries.
Together they built an innings that combined aggression with patience and formed a rock-solid platform for India. By the time Rawal departed, India had passed the 250 mark and the tone was set for a massive total.
Jemimah Rodrigues added the finishing touches with a quick half-century that kept the momentum going. By the end of the innings, India had scored 340 for 3 in 49 overs after the game was shortened by an over due to early rain disruptions.
Rain, DLS and a composed Indian defense
New Zealand’s chase began under thick clouds and in the shadow of a revised target – 325 in 44 overs – after further rain disrupted play.
The White Ferns started steadily but India’s disciplined bowling attack kept the score under control. Early wickets set the tone and even though Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze fought hard in the middle order, India’s bowlers never lost control of the contest.
Ultimately, New Zealand could only reach 271 for 8 at the end of 44 overs, falling behind by 53 runs using the DLS method.
It wasn’t a flashy bowling performance, but it was clinical – based on tight lines, intelligent field placements and relentless pressure. The win meant India secured their place in the semi-finals and progressed to the knockout stages alongside Australia, South Africa and England.
‘We stood up when it mattered most
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur couldn’t hide her pride after the game.
“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “The thanks go to the entire team for the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was. The team was motivated and I’m really happy with our performance.”
They particularly praised the openings. “Smriti and Pratika took full responsibility. When they crossed the 200 mark together, we decided to send Jemi up to maintain the momentum. The way she fought – that’s what the whole world expects from her.”
Harmanpreet was refreshingly candid when dealing with the pressure from the home crowd. “When you play at home, the expectations are high. But we decided to enjoy this moment rather than let it weigh us down. The last three games didn’t go our way, but we knew we could change that – and today was the right time.”
Looking ahead, she struck a balanced tone: “We batted well but we still need to get stronger in our bowling. Hopefully we can come together and perform better in the next game.”
“A damn frustrating tournament”
A visibly emotional Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, didn’t hold back in her thoughts after the game.
“We are disappointed – not only for ourselves, but also for our friends and families. It was a damn frustrating tournament,” she said. “The target was just too big. Credit to India – they fought brilliantly. Gaze and Halliday fought well but 325 in 44 overs was always going to be a mountain to climb.”
Devine acknowledged her side’s difficulties in taking wickets at crucial moments. “We controlled them well in the powerplay, but if you don’t break partnerships, opposition batsmen can come hard. Our fielding was good, even though we missed a few chances. That 200-run stand – it broke the game.”
She also praised the development of her young players. “The way Gaze and Halliday have developed over the last few years is exciting. Brooke’s calm under pressure is rare. There are positives, but this is not the ending we wanted.”
Devine also took a moment to recognize Lea Tahuhu, who was playing her 200th cap. “She was monumental for us – a legend of New Zealand cricket. Not the result she would have wanted but we will celebrate her achievement.”
“A big relief”
For Smriti Mandhana, who was named player of the match, the result was both a relief and a reward.
“Definitely a big relief. The last three games were tough. We played good cricket but couldn’t finish it. Pratika deserved this as much as I did,” Mandhana said with a smile.
She showed a change in attitude in her approach to batting after a slow start.
“I like the pace more than the spin and today I told myself to just play freely. We had five runs in three overs once and I thought that’s not us. After that I just relied on myself and played my game.”
When asked about her partnership with Pratika Rawal, she laughed off the speculations. “We’ve been asked that a lot over the last eight months. We don’t talk much in between – we just get along. When she’s strong, I play the anchor. When I’m in the rhythm, she turns the beat. It just works.”
India back where they belong
With this victory, India is back among the world elite. After the heartbreak at the start of the tournament, Thursday’s performance showed courage, discipline and the hunger of a team that believes it belongs on the world stage.
India can breathe a sigh of relief for now – they have booked their semi-final ticket and the dream of winning the World Cup on home soil remains alive.
But as Harmanpreet and her team know all too well, the real battle begins now.
