On , Smriti Mandhana, opening batter and Pratika Rawal, opening batter powered the Indian Women’s Cricket Team to a 53‑run victory over New Zealand, sealing a coveted semi-final berth at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025multiple venues across the Indian sub‑continent. The match, decided by the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern (DLS) method, saw India finish on 340 runs in 49 overs, while New Zealand fell short of the revised target of 325 in 44 overs.
Match overview: a dominant display
India’s innings was built on a double‑century partnership that left the New Zealand bowlers hunting for answers. Mandhana reached 109, her century coming off 112 balls with a blend of elegant drives and opportunistic pulls. Barely a minute later, Rawal joined the party, cruising to her own hundred and almost nudging a second before rain interrupted play.
Middle‑order star Jemimah Rodrigues, a right‑hand power‑hitter from Karnataka, anchored the latter part of the innings with an unbeaten 76. Together, the trio piled on 340, a total that, even after the DLS adjustment, left New Zealand with an uphill battle.
Batting masterclass: why the runs kept coming
- Mandhana’s 109 featured 14 fours and three sixes, showing she can dominate both pace and spin.
- Rawal’s century was a textbook example of patience; she scored 102 off 124 balls, rotating the strike every 1.5 overs on average.
- Rodrigues’ 76* came off just 58 deliveries, striking 9 fours and 4 sixes, proving the depth of India’s batting line‑up.
Coach Rohini Sabarwal (not marked as primary) praised the blend of experience and youth, noting how the team’s “running between the wickets” was the real game‑changer.
New Zealand’s chase: early setbacks and a valiant fight
Captain Sophie Devine, the 35‑year‑old from Canterbury, was dismissed for a meagre six, setting a tone of early pressure. By the 16‑over mark, New Zealand were 85/3, a modest start that quickly evaporated.
Standout performances came from Brooke Halliday, who smashed 81, and the young wicket‑keeper Izzy Gaze, unbeaten on 65. Their partnership pushed the total past 150, but then Sneha Rana, India’s 30‑year‑old off‑spinner and vice‑captain, struck with Amelia Kerr’s wicket at 116/4, ending any hopes of a late surge.
New Zealand’s final score of 286/6 fell well short of the DLS‑adjusted target, sealing the win for India.
Reactions from the sidelines
Back in Mumbai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the triumph, hailing it as “a testament to the growing depth of women’s cricket in the country.” Former great Sunil Gavaskar, now a commentator, called Rawal “technically the best player you’ve seen in a while,” a sentiment echoed by analyst Priyanka Roy during the live broadcast.
The win also meant heartbreak for New Zealand Cricket, whose campaign ended abruptly. Their chief executive, Greg Barclay, said the team “gave it everything, and today it simply wasn’t enough.”
Implications for the tournament
India now sit fourth in the group stage, with a maximum of eight points if they beat Bangladesh convincingly in their final group match. The semi‑final opponent will be either South Africa or England, as New Zealand’s elimination erases that possibility.
Statistically, India’s net run rate has surged to +1.25, the highest among the top four teams. Their ability to chase or set large totals under pressure is becoming a hallmark of this side.
Looking ahead: what comes next?
Assuming a win over Bangladesh, the Indian women will face the winner of the England‑South Africa clash – a match expected to be played on a “slow‑turning” pitch in Chennai later in November. Pitch reports suggest spin will dominate, which could favor the likes of Sneha Rana and veteran leg‑spinner Poonam Yadav.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), based in Dubai, has promised a “festival of cricket” for the semi‑finals, with fan zones and live‑streaming options for audiences worldwide.
Key facts
- Date: 23 Oct 2025
- Venue: unspecified stadium in India (match awarded DLS target)
- India total: 340/4 in 49 overs
- New Zealand total: 286/6 (DLS target 325)
- Top scorers: Smriti Mandhana 109, Pratika Rawal 102, Brooke Halliday 81
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India's win affect the chances of South Africa and England?
Both South Africa and England now know they could meet a high‑scoring Indian side in the semi‑final. England’s strong batting depth gives them a slight edge, while South Africa will rely on their spin attack to counter India’s top order.
What were the decisive moments in the match?
Mandhana’s rapid century, Rawal’s steady hundred, and the early wicket of Sophie Devine set the tone. Later, Sneha Rana’s dismissal of Amelia Kerr shifted momentum permanently in India’s favour.
Who are the standout performers for India so far in the tournament?
Beyond Mandhana, Rawal and Rodrigues, the spin duo of Sneha Rana and Poonam Yadav have been instrumental, each taking key wickets and maintaining tight economy rates.
When and where will the semi‑final be played?
The ICC has yet to announce the exact date and venue. A decision is expected by early December, with Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium being the leading candidate.
What does this victory mean for women's cricket in India?
The win reinforces the growing popularity and investment in the women’s game, encouraging sponsors and young athletes alike. It also validates the BCCI’s recent funding boost for grassroots programs.
