Centurion Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Fire India into World Cup Semis with Record Win over New Zealand

The Indian women's cricket team delivered a spectacular, must-win performance to crush New Zealand by 53 runs (via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method) and seal a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium.

The victory was built on a breathtaking, record-breaking opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana (109) and Pratika Rawal (122), who pulverized the White Ferns' bowling attack.

Record Partnership Decimates Kiwis

After being put in to bat in the rain-curtailed 49-over-a-side match, the hosts made a clear statement of intent. Pratika Rawal put on a majestic 212-run opening stand, which now stands as the highest partnership for India in Women's World Cup history.

Mandhana, earning the Player of the Match award, reached her century off just 88 balls before eventually falling for a blistering 109 off 95 balls. Her partner, Pratika Rawal, continued the onslaught, notching up a magnificent 122 off 134 balls for her maiden World Cup century. A quickfire, unbeaten 76 from Jemimah Rodrigues then propelled India to a commanding total of 340 for three in their 49 overs—the team's highest total of the tournament.

Bowlers Seal the Deal

A rain interruption during the innings break revised New Zealand’s daunting target to 325 from 44 overs.

The Indian bowlers, particularly the pacers, started brilliantly to pile on the pressure. The in-form Renuka Singh was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming two crucial early wickets, including that of New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.

Despite a valiant fightback from the middle order, with contributions from Brooke Halliday (81) and Isabella Gaze (65 not out), the sheer scale of the target proved too much. India’s disciplined bowling unit restricted New Zealand to 271 for eight, securing the 53-run win and the fourth semi-final berth.

The clinical victory sees India join Australia, South Africa, and England in the knockout stages, confirming their place in the final four in spectacular fashion.