India booked its place in the semifinals of the Women’s ODI World Cup with a commanding 53-run victory (via DLS method) over New Zealand at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Thursday, marking a triumphant return to form after three consecutive defeats.
Roared on by over 25,000 passionate fans who defied the rain, the Women in Blue delivered a complete performance, powered by centuries from openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana.
Asked to bat first on a placid surface, India’s opening pair produced a record-breaking partnership that set the tone for the match. Smriti Mandhana’s elegant 109 from 95 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and four sixes, and Pratika Rawal’s determined 122 off 134 balls guided India to an imposing 340 for three in 49 overs — their highest total in a World Cup fixture. Their 212-run opening stand was also India’s highest partnership in the tournament’s history.
For Pratika, the innings was a defining moment. Under scrutiny in recent games for a low strike rate, the young batter answered critics with composure and authority. Her century not only anchored the innings but also carried her past the 1,000-run mark in women’s ODIs — a feat achieved in just 23 innings, equalling Australian Lindsay Reeler’s record as the joint-fastest to reach the milestone.
Smriti, in sublime touch, registered her 17th international hundred, mixing finesse with aggression. After her dismissal to Suzie Bates, the team’s decision to promote Jemimah Rodrigues to No.3 proved inspired. Rodrigues struck an unbeaten 76 from 55 deliveries, studded with 11 fours, as she added a brisk 76-run stand with Pratika to ensure India closed the innings strongly.
Rain interruptions reduced New Zealand’s chase to a target of 325 in 44 overs, but the White Ferns never looked settled. Early breakthroughs from Kranti Gaud and Renuka Thakur left them reeling, as key batters Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr failed to build on promising starts.
Despite a fighting effort from Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze, who both notched half-centuries, New Zealand fell well short, handing India a comprehensive win and sealing their place in the semifinals for the first time in eight years.
The victory, built on powerful batting and disciplined bowling, showcased the team’s resilience and renewed belief under pressure. As India march into the knockout stage, they do so with momentum, confidence, and the roar of the home crowd firmly behind them.
