India returned to profitable methods within the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with a complete 53-run (DLS) victory over New Zealand on the Dr DY Patil Sports activities Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. A record-breaking opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set the tone for a commanding win, with each batters registering elegant centuries.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal lead India’s batting brilliance
Opting to bat first after New Zealand selected to bowl, India piled up a mammoth 340/3 in 49 overs. The innings was anchored by Rawal’s stylish 122 off 134 balls and Mandhana’s blistering 109 off 95 deliveries. The duo added a spectacular 214-run stand for the opening wicket – India’s highest partnership of the event up to now – dismantling the White Ferns’ bowling assault with elegant stroke play and measured aggression.
Mandhana was notably fluent by way of the off aspect, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes, whereas Rawal’s innings was constructed on composure and placement, highlighted by 13 fours and two maximums. Their partnership laid the right basis for a late flourish, with Jemimah Rodrigues (76 off 55) offering the of entirety. Her fluent knock, laced with 11 boundaries, propelled India previous the 300-run mark earlier than rain briefly interrupted play.
New Zealand’s bowlers toil as India dominate the center overs
New Zealand’s bowling unit struggled to include India’s cost on a flat batting floor. Not one of the bowlers managed to create constant strain, with Amelia Kerr (1/69) and Rosemary Mair (1/52) being the one wicket-takers of word. Captain Sophie Devine’s resolution to bowl first backfired as India’s openers made full use of the fielding restrictions and punished free deliveries all through.
The absence of breakthroughs within the powerplay harm New Zealand’s momentum, permitting India to dictate phrases within the center overs. Even skilled campaigners like Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr did not extract swing or seam motion, leaving the White Ferns chasing leather-based for many of the innings.
Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze combat arduous for New Zealand
Chasing a revised target of 324 in 44 overs (DLS methodology), New Zealand Girls faltered early as Renuka Thakur dismissed veteran Suzie Bates (1) cheaply. Regardless of a short counterattack from Georgia Plimmer (30 off 25) and Amelia Kerr (45 off 53), common wickets stored pegging the guests again.
Center-order batter Brooke Halliday provided sturdy resistance with a fluent 81 off 84 balls, placing 9 fours and a six, whereas younger Izzy Gaze impressed with a composed 65 off 51 deliveries. Their 72-run stand briefly revived hopes for New Zealand, however India’s bowling unit tightened management within the remaining overs.
Kranti Goud (2/48) and Renuka Thakur (2/25) had been the standout bowlers, supported properly by Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma, who picked up a wicket apiece. Pratika Rawal capped her memorable day with a wicket in her four-over spell, eradicating the harmful Halliday simply as she seemed set for a late assault.
🇮🇳 into the semifinals!
Complete win for Staff India in opposition to the White Ferns 🙂#cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/GVcSnVlnyi
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 23, 2025
Additionally READ: Fans react as Pratika Rawal smashes maiden World Cup century for India against New Zealand
Participant of the Match
For her beautiful century and composed management on the high, Smriti Mandhana was named Participant of the Match. Her innings not solely arrange the victory but additionally strengthened her standing as one of many event’ premier performers.
Participant of the Match: Smriti Mandhana 🥇#cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/Mk1CIqSZV8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 23, 2025
Additionally READ: Women’s World Cup 2025 – Fans celebrate as Smriti Mandhana breaks multiple records with her century against New Zealand
This text was first revealed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
