India Clinch World Cup Semifinal Spot With Dominant 53-Run Victory
India secured their place in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinals with a commanding 53-run victory over New Zealand via the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter. The hosts posted a formidable 340/3 before restricting New Zealand to 271/8 in their revised chase of 325.
Key Match Highlights
- Centuries from Smriti Mandhana (109) and Pratika Rawal (122)
- Jemimah Rodrigues’ explosive 76* off 55 balls
- Brooke Halliday’s fighting 81 and Isabella Gaze’s unbeaten 65 for NZ
- Rain interruptions reduced match to 44 overs per side
India’s Batting Masterclass
India’s innings was built around contrasting centuries from their top order. Smriti Mandhana’s aggressive 109 off 95 balls set the platform, while Pratika Rawal anchored the innings with 122 from 134 deliveries. The finishing touches came from Jemimah Rodrigues, who smashed an unbeaten 76 from just 55 balls to propel India to 340/3 in 49 overs.
Rain Interruptions and Revised Target
The match experienced two rain interruptions, first during India’s innings and again during the mid-innings break. The disruptions led to the match being reduced to 44 overs per side, with New Zealand set a revised target of 325 runs.
New Zealand’s Challenging Chase
New Zealand’s chase never gained momentum as they lost early wickets, including opener Suzie Bates for just 1 run. Despite contributions from Georgia Plimmer (30) and Amelia Kerr (45), the White Ferns found themselves struggling at 115/4 in the 21st over.
Brooke Halliday provided resistance with a determined 81 off 84 balls, while Isabella Gaze scored her maiden ODI half-century, remaining unbeaten on 65. However, the required run rate proved too steep, with New Zealand finishing at 271/8.
Bowling Performance
India’s bowling attack maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings. Renuka Singh was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/25, while Kranti Gaud contributed 2/48. The Indian fielding showed some lapses but ultimately didn’t prove costly.
The victory marks India’s progression to the semifinals, demonstrating their all-round strength in both batting and bowling departments. New Zealand’s World Cup campaign ends with this defeat despite brave performances from their middle order.
Brief scores: India 340/3 in 49 overs (Smriti Mandhana 109, Pratika Rawal 122, Jemimah Rodrigues 76*; Suzie Bates 1-40) beat New Zealand 271/8 in 44 overs (Brooke Halliday 81, Isabella Gaze 65*, Amelia Kerr 45; Renuka Singh 2-25) by 53 runs via DLS method.
