Navi Mumbai: In a thrilling turnaround at the DY Patil Stadium, the Indian women’s cricket team stormed into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinals with a commanding 53-run victory (DLS method) over New Zealand.
Battling do-or-die pressure after three straight losses, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad delivered a masterclass, blending explosive batting and sharp bowling to seal their spot as the fourth and final semifinalist alongside Australia, South Africa and England.
The foundation was laid by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s scintillating 109 off 95 balls — her first century in this tournament and third overall in World Cup history — and debutant sensation Pratika Rawal’s maiden ton of 122 off 134 deliveries. Rain-shortened, their record-breaking 212-run partnership for the second wicket propelled India to a mammoth 340 in 49 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues added fireworks with an unbeaten 76 off 55 balls, ensuring a daunting total.
Chasing a revised 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand faltered early. Kranti Gaud dismissed Suzie Bates in the second over, while Renuka Singh’s double strike — clean-bowling Georgia Plimmer and skipper Sophie Devine (6)— left the Kiwis reeling. Despite fighting knocks from Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, and Isabella Gaze, they managed only 271/8. Renuka and Kranti claimed two wickets each, with Pratika, Sree Charani, Deepti Sharma, and Sneh Rana chipping in one apiece.
This marks India’s third win in the tournament and their first semifinal appearance since 2017. Up next, they face Bangladesh, where the semifinal lineup will crystallise. For New Zealand, this marks the end of their campaign.