Mandhana, Rawal Power India into World Cup Semi-finals
<p>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.</p><h3>Record Opening Stand Sets the Stage</h3><p>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 <strong>340-3 in 49 overs</strong>.</p><p>Mandhana, India’s vice-captain, continued her sensational form with a fluent <strong>109 off 95 balls</strong>, featuring 10 fours and four sixes. Her innings marked her <strong>fifth century of 2025</strong>, 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.</p><p>Her partner Pratika Rawal, just 25 years old, struck a superb <strong>122 off 111 balls</strong>, 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.</p><p>Their 212-run partnership was India’s <strong>highest-ever in Women’s World Cup history</strong> 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.</p><h3>India’s Late Acceleration and New Zealand’s Struggle</h3><p>After the openers departed, <strong>Jemimah Rodrigues</strong> carried the momentum forward with a classy <strong>76 not out</strong>, 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.</p><p>New Zealand’s chase was hampered by rain and early wickets. Chasing a revised target of <strong>325 in 44 overs</strong>, the White Ferns lost <strong>Suzie Bates for just one</strong>, dismissed by India’s young seamer <strong>Kranti Gaud</strong>. Soon after, <strong>Renuka Singh</strong> removed captain <strong>Sophie Devine</strong> for six, leaving New Zealand reeling at <strong>59-3</strong>.</p><p>Despite spirited efforts from <strong>Brooke Halliday (81)</strong> and <strong>Isabella Gaze (65 not out)</strong>, New Zealand fell short at <strong>271-8</strong>, 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.</p><h3>Devine Reflects, Kaur Praises Home Support</h3><p>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.</p><blockquote><p>“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.”</p></blockquote><p>For India, captain <strong>Harmanpreet Kaur</strong> credited the home crowd and team unity for the turnaround.</p><blockquote><p>“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.”</p></blockquote><h3>India’s Comeback and the Road Ahead</h3><p>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.</p><p>The hosts now join <strong>Australia, England, and South Africa</strong> in the semi-finals of the eight-nation event. Their final league match is scheduled against <strong>Bangladesh</strong> at the same venue on Sunday, while the <strong>Women’s World Cup final</strong> will also take place in <strong>Navi Mumbai on November 2</strong>.</p><p>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.</p>