India Storm Into ICC Women's World Cup Semi-Finals With 53-Run Win Over New Zealand

KEY POINTS

Smriti Mandhana starred with 109 off 95 balls and three catches
Pratika Rawal’s 122 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 76 powered India to 340/3
Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud struck twice each as India’s bowlers sealed a victory

NAVI MUMBAI, India: India Women stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after a commanding 53-run victory (DLS method) against New Zealand Women at DY Patil Stadium in a rain-affected thriller.

Opener Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a breathtaking 109 off 95 balls, earning her the Player of the Match award for her all-round brilliance that also included three crucial catches.

Partnering with her at the top, Pratika Rawal produced a magnificent 122 off 134 balls, anchoring India’s innings and propelling the team to a massive 340/3 in 49 overs.

Jemimah Rodrigues added late fireworks with an unbeaten 76 off just 55 deliveries, ensuring India crossed the 300-mark comfortably.

In reply, New Zealand was set a revised target of 325 runs in 44 overs under the DLS method. Despite spirited knocks from Brooke Halliday (81 off 84) and *Isabella Gaze (65 off 51)*, the Kiwi chase faltered under the mounting required rate.

Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Gaud (2/48) leading the attack, supported by key breakthroughs from Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma.

New Zealand’s top order collapsed early, losing Suzie Bates (1) and Sophie Devine (6) cheaply, leaving too much for the middle order to recover.

India’s fielding, highlighted by Mandhana’s sharp catches, further sealed the contest in the host team’s favour.

The victory not only solidifies India’s unbeaten run in the tournament but also guarantees their place in the semi-finals, marking another milestone in their World Cup campaign.