The Indian squad regained momentum in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 through a convincing 53-run (DLS) triumph over the New Zealand team at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, situated in Navi Mumbai, on Thursday. An unprecedented opening-wicket partnership featuring Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal laid the groundwork for a dominant victory, as both batters achieved outstanding centuries.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal lead India’s batting brilliance
India, having elected to bat first after New Zealand’s decision to field, amassed an imposing total of 340/3 in 49 overs. The innings centered around Rawal’s sophisticated 122, achieved from 134 deliveries, and Mandhana’s explosive 109 off 95 balls. Their collaboration produced a remarkable 214-run stand for the initial wicket – the highest partnership for India in the ongoing tournament – effectively dismantling the White Ferns’ bowling attack with a combination of refined stroke play and calculated aggression.
Mandhana exhibited notable fluidity, especially through the off side, striking 10 boundaries and dispatching 4 balls over the boundary ropes, whereas Rawal’s contribution was founded on composure and precise placement, featuring 13 fours and two sixes. Their partnership delivered an optimal platform for a subsequent surge, with Jemimah Rodrigues (76 off 55) adding the final touches. Her articulate innings, highlighted by 11 instances of finding the fence, assisted India in surpassing the 300-run threshold before a brief stoppage for precipitation.
New Zealand’s bowlers toil as India dominate the middle overs
The New Zealand bowling contingent encountered difficulties in restraining India’s scoring tempo on what appeared to be a favorable batting strip. No bowler succeeded in consistently applying pressure, with Amelia Kerr (1/69) and Rosemary Mair (1/52) being the only notable wicket-takers. Captain Sophie Devine’s choice to field first proved disadvantageous, as the Indian openers optimally utilized the fielding restrictions, penalizing errant deliveries throughout the innings.
The lack of early breakthroughs during the powerplay undermined New Zealand’s ability to build momentum, enabling India to dictate proceedings during the middle overs. Even seasoned players such as Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr struggled to generate swing or seam movement, resulting in the White Ferns spending the majority of the innings chasing the ball.
Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze fight hard for New Zealand
Tasked with pursuing a revised target of 324 across 44 overs, in accordance with the DLS method, the New Zealand Women’s team encountered an early setback as Renuka Thakur quickly dismissed veteran Suzie Bates (1). Despite a short-lived counter-offensive from Georgia Plimmer (30 off 25) and Amelia Kerr (45 off 53), consistent wicket losses impeded the visitors’ progress.
Middle-order batter Brooke Halliday demonstrated notable resistance, compiling an elegant 81 from 84 deliveries, which included nine fours and one six, while the youthful Izzy Gaze impressed with a poised 65, achieved from 51 balls. Their partnership yielded 72 runs, momentarily restoring hope for New Zealand, but the Indian bowling attack regained composure in the closing stages of the innings.
Kranti Goud (2/48) and Renuka Thakur (2/25) stood out among the bowlers, receiving adequate support from Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma, who each claimed a wicket. Pratika Rawal concluded her momentous day by capturing a wicket in her four-over spell, dismissing the threatening Halliday just as she appeared poised for a late onslaught.
🇮🇳 into the semifinals!
Comprehensive win for Team India against the White Ferns 🙂#cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/GVcSnVlnyi
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 23, 2025
Player of the Match
Smriti Mandhana was acknowledged as the Player of the Match, thanks to her remarkable century and leadership exhibited at the beginning of the innings. Her performance not only secured the victory but also reaffirmed her position as one of the tournament’s leading players.
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana 🥇#cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/Mk1CIqSZV8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 23, 2025
This article was initially distributed via WomenCricket.com, an affiliate of Cricket Times.
