Mandhana, Rawal Power India into World Cup Semi-finals
India stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a resounding 53-run victory over New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set the tone for a commanding all-round performance that delighted the home crowd and reignited India’s campaign after a difficult group stage.
Record Opening Stand Sets the Stage
Batting first in a rain-interrupted match, India’s openers produced a magnificent display of stroke play. Mandhana and Rawal forged a record-breaking 212-run stand for the first wicket, propelling India to a towering total of 340-3 in 49 overs.
Mandhana, India’s vice-captain, continued her sensational form with a fluent 109 off 95 balls, featuring 10 fours and four sixes. Her innings marked her fifth century of 2025, equalling South Africa’s Tazmin Brits for the most ODI hundreds in a calendar year. With this milestone, Mandhana also strengthened her position among the greatest batters in women’s cricket history.
Her partner Pratika Rawal, just 25 years old, struck a superb 122 off 111 balls, registering her maiden World Cup century. The left-right combination frustrated the New Zealand bowlers with impeccable timing and calculated aggression, turning early caution into complete domination.
Their 212-run partnership was India’s highest-ever in Women’s World Cup history and the nation’s best for any wicket in ODI World Cups. It also stands as one of the most memorable opening partnerships in women’s cricket, demonstrating India’s growing batting depth.
India’s Late Acceleration and New Zealand’s Struggle
After the openers departed, Jemimah Rodrigues carried the momentum forward with a classy 76 not out, guiding India to a massive total despite a 90-minute rain delay late in the innings. Rawal’s dismissal by Amelia Kerr briefly slowed India’s charge, but Rodrigues and Mandhana’s earlier fireworks had already ensured a winning platform.
New Zealand’s chase was hampered by rain and early wickets. Chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs, the White Ferns lost Suzie Bates for just one, dismissed by India’s young seamer Kranti Gaud. Soon after, Renuka Singh removed captain Sophie Devine for six, leaving New Zealand reeling at 59-3.
Despite spirited efforts from Brooke Halliday (81) and Isabella Gaze (65 not out), New Zealand fell short at 271-8, bowing out of semi-final contention with one match remaining. The pair added 72 runs for the sixth wicket, but India’s disciplined bowling ensured the required run rate stayed out of reach.
Devine Reflects, Kaur Praises Home Support
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine, who announced that Sunday’s match against England would be her last ODI, expressed disappointment after a rain-affected campaign.
“We are incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family,” Devine said. “It’s been a frustrating tournament — we would have loved more opportunities to play.”
For India, captain Harmanpreet Kaur credited the home crowd and team unity for the turnaround.
“Whenever you’re playing at home, everyone expects a lot from us,” Kaur said. “Our discussions are that the crowd is with us, and this is the time to enjoy the game rather than take pressure.”
India’s Comeback and the Road Ahead
India’s victory was a statement performance following three consecutive defeats that had put their semi-final hopes in jeopardy. With Mandhana and Rawal firing in unison, and Rodrigues anchoring the middle order, India appear rejuvenated and confident heading into the knockout stages.
The hosts now join Australia, England, and South Africa in the semi-finals of the eight-nation event. Their final league match is scheduled against Bangladesh at the same venue on Sunday, while the Women’s World Cup final will also take place in Navi Mumbai on November 2.
As India eye their first-ever Women’s World Cup title, the emphatic win over New Zealand has reaffirmed their credentials as genuine contenders — powered by the brilliance of Smriti Mandhana and the rise of Pratika Rawal.
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