In a thrilling showdown at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 on October 23, India’s women’s cricket team delivered a masterclass performance against New Zealand to secure a 53-run victory by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, clinching a coveted semi-final spot. The match, played at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, was a high-intensity contest featuring stellar batting displays, tactical bowling changes, and a commanding all-round effort by India that ended New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament.
A Record-Breaking Opening Stand Sets the Tone
India was invited to bat first in a match affected by rain delays, which shortened the innings to 49 overs. The Indian openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana put on an extraordinary show, building a record-breaking 212-run partnership that is now the highest opening stand for India in Women’s World Cup history.
Rawal played a controlled yet powerful innings, amassing 122 runs off 134 balls with elegant stroke play and impeccable timing. Mandhana complemented her partner perfectly, scoring a brisk 109 runs from 95 deliveries. Their fluid partnership dominated the New Zealand bowlers and dismantled the early bowling attack, setting a solid foundation for India’s imposing total.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Finishing Flourish
After Rawal and Mandhana’s departure, Jemimah Rodrigues stepped up with aggressive, explosive batting to accelerate the scoring rate in the final overs. She remained unbeaten on 76 runs off just 55 balls, peppering the boundary ropes with 11 fours. Her contribution lifted India’s innings to a formidable 340 for 3 in the allotted 49 overs — India’s highest total of the tournament so far.
New Zealand’s Revised Target and Response
Rain continued to intervene, leading to a revised target for New Zealand of 325 runs to be chased in 44 overs under the DLS method. The chase began on a shaky note with the early dismissal of Suzie Bates, but Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr steadied the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership. However, momentum swung decisively in India’s favor when Renuka Singh Thakur returned from an uneventful start to claim two vital wickets in consecutive overs, dismissing Plimmer and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and leaving New Zealand reeling at 59 for 3.
Middle Overs: Tug of War Between Bat and Ball
Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday attempted to rebuild with a vital 56-run stand, keeping New Zealand’s hopes alive. Kerr’s presence at the crease was marked by intent and urgency, but her innings was cut short by Sneh Rana at a key juncture, swinging the match back in India’s favor.
Brooke Halliday, known for her grit, countered with an impressive 81 runs off 84 balls, showing good temperament and timely aggression. Alongside her, Isabella Gaze contributed a quickfire 65 off 51 balls, providing some late sparkle in the innings. However, despite these resilient performances, the ever-tightening Indian bowling attack broke crucial partnerships and maintained a relentless grip on the game.
India’s Bowling Brilliance
India’s bowlers combined with precision, rhythm, and variety to stifle New Zealand’s chase. Renuka Singh Thakur emerged as the key wicket-taker, claiming multiple top-order wickets to derail the chase early. Sneh Rana’s timely breakthroughs, along with strategic spells from the pacers and spinners, ensured that New Zealand could not accelerate at the crucial moments.
The disciplined fielding and tactical use of resources by the Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur also played a significant role in maintaining pressure and controlling the run flow, ultimately leading to New Zealand finishing at 271 for 8 in their 44 overs.
Significance of the Victory
This win was monumental for India, not only because it guaranteed them a semi-final berth at their home World Cup but also because it halted a streak of three consecutive losses, showcasing the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. With this victory, India joined defending champions Australia, England, and South Africa in the knockout stage, securing a top-four finish in the group stages.
Key Highlights Summary
- Pratika Rawal’s 122: Masterclass century, steadying the innings and setting a high benchmark.
- Smriti Mandhana’s 109: Aggressive, elegant stroke play that complemented Rawal perfectly.
- 212-Run Opening Partnership: Highest for India in Women’s World Cup history.
- Jemimah Rodrigues’ 76:* Finishing with aggressive intent, maintaining momentum for India.
- Renuka Singh Thakur’s bowling: Crucial wickets that broke New Zealand’s back.
- Brooke Halliday’s 81: Gritty resistance to keep New Zealand in the chase.
- Isabella Gaze’s 65: Quickfire runs to add late pressure on India.
Looking Ahead
With the semi-finals secured, India will focus on their final group match against Bangladesh, aiming to fine-tune their game ahead of the knockout stages. This landmark victory marks a significant boost to India’s campaign and morale, infusing confidence as they prepare to take on the best teams in the world.
Fans and cricket analysts alike are lauding this performance as not just a win but a statement of intent from the Indian women’s cricket team that they are serious contenders to claim their maiden World Cup title on home soil.
Conclusion
The comprehensive and clinical victory over New Zealand in this 24th match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will be remembered for its dominant batting display, strategic bowling, and the unyielding spirit of the Indian team. This strong all-round performance paves the way for an exciting semi-final clash, promising thrilling cricket ahead for fans across the globe.
India’s journey in the tournament is a testament to their growth and potential, and this victory against a formidable New Zealand side cements their status as one of the tournament favorites.
For detailed scorecards, highlights, and expert analysis, fans can revisit the match footage and commentary from the packed stadium in Navi Mumbai, where the home crowd witnessed a historic day for Indian women’s cricket.hotstar+8
