Smriti Mandhana & Pratika Rawal Power India Women Into World Cup 2025 Semi-Finals With Dominant 53-Run DLS Win Over New Zealand
Summary
India’s women scripted a glorious victory in Navi Mumbai, beating New Zealand Women by 53 runs (DLS) to storm into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Blazing centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal lit up the night, while the bowlers sealed the deal in style. For the Kiwis, it marked the end of their campaign.
The Dr DY Patil Sports Academy witnessed a masterclass on October 23, 2025, as India Women produced a commanding all-round display to outplay New Zealand Women by 53 runs under the DLS method, securing a spot in the semi-finals with one group game still in hand.
Winning the toss, New Zealand Women opted to bowl first, but what followed was a batting storm led by Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal - two names now etched in Indian cricketing glory.
India’s openers stitched together a 212-run partnership, flattening the Kiwi bowling attack.
Their fireworks set India on course for a mammoth total, before Jemimah Rodrigues (76 off 55)* added late-innings flourish. India finished on 340-3 in 49 overs, a total that proved insurmountable.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand began poorly, losing Suzie Bates early.
Eventually, New Zealand managed 271-8, falling short by 53 runs (DLS). With this loss, their World Cup journey came to an end.
Smriti Mandhana - for her breathtaking 109 and electric presence in the field - was rightly adjudged Player of the Match.
Her innings was not just a masterclass in timing and stroke-play but a symbol of calm leadership - a perfect balance of aggression and grace under pressure.
India Women become the fourth team to reach the semi-finals.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lauded her side’s discipline and intent, calling it “a win that defines the team’s character.”
Former cricketers praised the performance across social media. Analysts hailed Mandhana’s century as one of the finest ODI knocks in recent memory - blending artistry and aggression in equal measure.
With a semi-final berth secured, India Women will look to maintain rhythm in their final group clash before targeting their long-awaited world title.
The Women in Blue have arrived - and they mean business.
India’s women scripted a glorious victory in Navi Mumbai, beating New Zealand Women by 53 runs (DLS) to storm into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Blazing centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal lit up the night, while the bowlers sealed the deal in style. For the Kiwis, it marked the end of their campaign.
India Women Shine Bright Under Navi Mumbai Lights
The Dr DY Patil Sports Academy witnessed a masterclass on October 23, 2025, as India Women produced a commanding all-round display to outplay New Zealand Women by 53 runs under the DLS method, securing a spot in the semi-finals with one group game still in hand.
Winning the toss, New Zealand Women opted to bowl first, but what followed was a batting storm led by Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal - two names now etched in Indian cricketing glory.
Mandhana & Rawal’s Record-Breaking Stand
India’s openers stitched together a 212-run partnership, flattening the Kiwi bowling attack.
- Smriti Mandhana dazzled with 109 off 95 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining her stunning form.
- Pratika Rawal played the perfect foil, crafting a classy 122 off 134 balls - her maiden World Cup century.
Their fireworks set India on course for a mammoth total, before Jemimah Rodrigues (76 off 55)* added late-innings flourish. India finished on 340-3 in 49 overs, a total that proved insurmountable.
New Zealand’s Chase Falters Despite Resistance
Chasing a revised DLS target of 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand began poorly, losing Suzie Bates early.
- Brooke Halliday (81) and Isabella Gaze (65 off 51)* tried to stage a comeback.
- But India’s bowlers, led by Renuka Singh Thakur (2-25), Kranti Gaud (2-48), and Sneh Rana (1-60), kept applying pressure.
Eventually, New Zealand managed 271-8, falling short by 53 runs (DLS). With this loss, their World Cup journey came to an end.
Player of the Match
Smriti Mandhana - for her breathtaking 109 and electric presence in the field - was rightly adjudged Player of the Match.
 |
| Image credit-India Today |
Her innings was not just a masterclass in timing and stroke-play but a symbol of calm leadership - a perfect balance of aggression and grace under pressure.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Women | 340/3 | 49 ov | India won by 53 runs (DLS) |
| New Zealand Women | 271/8 (target 325) | 44 ov |
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
- Date: October 23, 2025
- Tournament: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
What This Win Means for India
India Women become the fourth team to reach the semi-finals.
- Momentum restored after earlier hiccups.
- Team chemistry peaking at the right moment.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lauded her side’s discipline and intent, calling it “a win that defines the team’s character.”
Expert Take
Former cricketers praised the performance across social media. Analysts hailed Mandhana’s century as one of the finest ODI knocks in recent memory - blending artistry and aggression in equal measure.
Looking Ahead
With a semi-final berth secured, India Women will look to maintain rhythm in their final group clash before targeting their long-awaited world title.
The Women in Blue have arrived - and they mean business.
Top Performers
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Batting (India) | Smriti Mandhana | 109 (95) – Player of the Match |
| Batting (India) | Pratika Rawal | 122 (134) |
| Bowling (India) | Renuka Singh Thakur | 6-0-25-2 |
| Bowling (India) | Kranti Gaud | 9-0-48-2 |
| NZ Highlights | Brooke Halliday | 81 (84) |
| NZ Highlights | Isabella Gaze | 65* (51) |
Todays Match
SLW vs PAKW
Colombo
3PM
(Source-cricbuzz)
#INDvNZW#WomensWorldCup2025#WomenInBlue
Post a Comment