India Women recorded an impressive 53-run victory (DLS method) against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, securing the fourth semi-final spot in the Women’s ODI tournament. The win ended India’s three-match losing streak, showcasing their batting prowess and strategic depth. Smriti Mandhana (109) and Pratika Rawal (122) produced remarkable centuries, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed an unbeaten 76. Together they powered India to a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs, surpassing their previous tournament best of 330 against Australia. What happened during the first inning? The opening duo of Mandhana and Rawal set the tone, overcoming a cautious start of 18 runs in the first six overs to forge a 212-run partnership, their seventh century stand, equaling the record for an Indian pair in women’s ODIs. Mandhana, who survived a close lbw call on 77 thanks to Rawal’s insistence on a review, brought up her 14th ODI century in just 88 balls, equaling Meg Lanning’s all-time record. Rawal, on the other hand, scored her second ODI ton off 122 balls. Rodrigues, who is at no. 3 batted, showed intent and hit 11 fours in a 55-ball 76*. Her sweeps, reverse sweeps and inside-out drives kept New Zealand’s bowlers at bay, ensuring India maintained momentum despite a rain break reducing the game to 49 overs per side. Disciplined bowling seals the win. India’s bowlers complemented their batting heroics and restricted New Zealand to 271/8 while chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 325 in 44 overs. Renuka Singh (2-25) and Kranti Gaud (2-48) set the tone in the powerplay and conceded no boundaries in the first six overs. Renuka’s early breakthroughs, dismissing Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine with sharp in-dives, disrupted New Zealand’s momentum. Rawal, who doubled as the sixth bowler, chipped in with her first World Cup wicket, dismissing Maddy Green. Despite Brooke Halliday’s battling 84 and Isabella Gaze’s career-best 65*, New Zealand’s approach and frequent loss of wickets prevented a serious challenge. India’s spinners maintained pressure and ensured that the required run rate rose to an unattainable 168 runs in the last 15 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur on team’s win Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s resilience and said: “It wasn’t easy. But credit to our team for the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was, and the way we came up, very happy with the way we played.” She praised Mandhana and Rawal for their “decisive knocks” and highlighted Rodrigues’ impactful comeback, noting: “The way she batted, it was something the whole world expected from her.” Emphasizing the team’s positive attitude despite recent setbacks, Kaur said: “Even though the last 3 games didn’t go well, we knew it wasn’t something we expected and we were going to change it, today was the right time.” What’s next for Team India? India’s win puts them as the fourth-placed team in the league stage, setting up a semi-final against the winner of Saturday’s South Africa-Australia match. With Australia, South Africa, England and India as the final four, the stage is set for an exciting knockout phase.
India secure semi-final spot in women’s ODIs with dominant win over New Zealand
