India returned to winning ways in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with a comprehensive victory of 53 runs (DLS) over New Zealand on the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. A record-breaking opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set the tone for an impressive win, with both batters notching sublime centuries.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal lead the Indian batting
India opted to bat first after New Zealand opted to bowl and amassed a mammoth 340/3 in 49 overs. The innings was anchored by Rawal’s classy 122 off 134 balls and Mandhana’s blistering 109 off 95 deliveries. The duo added a spectacular 214-run stand for the opening wicket – India’s highest partnership of the tournament so far – and dismantled the White Ferns’ bowling attack with elegant strokeplay and measured aggression.
Mandhana played particularly fluent offside, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes, while Rawal’s innings was based on composure and placement, culminating in 13 fours and two maximums. Their partnership laid the perfect foundation for a late flourish, with Jemimah Rodrigues (76 of 55) providing the finishing touches. Her fluid knock, peppered with 11 boundaries, pushed India past the 300-run mark before rain briefly interrupted play.
The New Zealand bowlers toil as India dominate the middle overs
New Zealand’s bowling unit struggled to contain India’s attack on a flat batting surface. None of the bowlers managed to create consistent pressure, with Amelia Kerr (1/69) and Rosemary Mair (1/52) being the only notable wicket-takers. Captain Sophie Devine’s decision to bowl first backfired as the Indian openers made full use of the fielding restrictions and punished loose deliveries throughout.
The lack of breakthroughs in the power play hurt New Zealand’s momentum, allowing India to dictate terms in the middle overs. Even experienced campaigners like Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr failed to extract the swing or seam movement, leaving the White Ferns chasing leather for most of the innings.
Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze are fighting hard for New Zealand
On the hunt for one revised target of 324 in 44 overs (DLS method), New Zealand women hesitated early when Renuka Thakur dismissed veteran Suzie Bates (1) cheaply. Despite a brief counter-attack from Georgia Plimmer (30 off 25) and Amelia Kerr (45 off 53), regular wickets continued to hold the visitors back.
Middle order batsman Brooke Halliday put up strong resistance with a fluent 81 off 84 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, while young Izzy Gaze impressed with a composed 65 off 51 deliveries. Their 72-run stand briefly revived New Zealand’s hopes, but the Indian bowling unit tightened control in the final overs.
Kranti Goud (2/48) and Renuka Thakur (2/25) were the standout bowlers, well supported by Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma, who took a wicket each. Pratika Rawal ended her memorable day with a wicket in her four-over spell, removing the dangerous Halliday just as she looked ready for a late attack.
🇮🇳 to the semi-finals!
Comprehensive win for Team India against the White Ferns 🙂#cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/GVcSnVlnyi
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 23, 2025
READ also: Fans react as Pratika Rawal smashes India’s first World Cup century against New Zealand
Player of the match
For her stunning century and composed leadership at the top, Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Match. Her innings not only secured the win but also cemented her status as one of the tournament’s best performers.
Player of the match: Smriti Mandhana 🥇#cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/Mk1CIqSZV8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 23, 2025
READ also: Women’s World Cup 2025 – Fans celebrate as Smriti Mandhana breaks multiple records with her century against New Zealand
This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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