The women of India produced a commanding performance against New Zealand in their crucial clash, securing a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 with a display full of intent, flair and dominance. Opting to bat first in a rain-interrupted contest, the Indian openers laid the platform with a massive partnership. Smriti Mandhana smashed 109 off 95 balls, while the rising star Pratika Rawal blazed her way to 122 off 134 deliveries. Their opening stand of 212 runs set the tone and powered India to a formidable total of 340/3 in 49 overs, after overs were reduced due to weather.
Having posted that imposing score, India’s bowlers picked up momentum early in New Zealand’s chase. The visitors were tasked with reaching a revised target of 325 in 44 overs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The Kiwi innings never reached cruising altitude: although Brooke Halliday fought with 81 and Isabella Gaze remained unbeaten on 65, the required rate climbed beyond control and wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
From the early exchanges, India grabbed the momentum. A key blow was bowled by Renuka Singh Thakur who removed the dangerous Sophie Devine, swinging the momentum further India’s way. The fielding was sharp, the bowling disciplined, and the chase was thwarted well before the finish.
On the batting side, Mandhana’s century reaffirmed her status among the world’s premier batters and Rawal’s ton underscored the emergence of a new elite performer. The acceleration later in the innings—alongside Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 76 off 55—enabled India to surge past the 300-run mark with plenty to spare.
In summary:
India built a very strong batting foundation with successive centuries by their openers.
New Zealand’s chase was always on the back foot once the required rate elevated and the wickets began to fall.
The win sees India confirmed as the fourth semi-finalist in the tournament alongside Australia, England and South Africa.
For New Zealand, although the 271/8 (in 44 overs) showed fight, it was insufficient to upset a dominant host side.
For viewers and fans tuning in, the match offered a nuanced blend of power-hitting, disciplined bowling and tactical acumen. From India’s emphatic start to New Zealand’s valiant yet insufficient fight-back, the contest had all the hallmarks of high-stakes knockout cricket. India’s manner of winning—by DLS adjusted margin of 53 runs—may suggest the weather intervened, but the underlying narrative remains clear: India took their opportunity when it mattered most.
In the build-up to the semi-finals, this victory will serve India not just as a qualification tick-mark, but as a statement of intent. As for spectators, the full highlights will remain memorable for the flamboyant shots, the big partnership, and a home side delivering when it counted.
Whether you caught the live broadcast or are catching up with the highlights, this match between India and New Zealand showcased the brilliance of women’s international cricket at its best — and sets the stage for an exciting semi-final ahead.
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