India Women will take on New Zealand Women in the 24th match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 23. This match is crucial, as only one spot remains in the semifinals. Australia, England, and South Africa have already qualified, leaving India and New Zealand to fight for the final place.
Both teams are equal on points, making this clash a must-win for either side. India currently sit fourth on the points table with four points from five matches and a positive net run rate (+0.526). New Zealand are fifth, also on four points but with a negative net run rate (-0.245).
The winner of this game will enter their final league match with confidence. India will then play against already-eliminated Bangladesh, while New Zealand face undefeated England on Sunday.
Historical Context
India’s best World Cup performances came in 2005 and 2017, finishing runners-up to Australia and England, respectively. New Zealand’s peak came in 2000 when they won the title as hosts. They were also runners-up in 1993 and 2009, losing both finals to England.
India’s Performance So Far
India have struggled with consistency in this tournament. After winning their opening two games—by 59 runs against Sri Lanka (DLS method) and by 88 runs against Pakistan—the team has lost three consecutive matches by narrow margins.
Key performers like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma have delivered, but India’s fragile middle-order and death bowling have been exposed. They suffered three-wicket defeats to South Africa and Australia, and a four-run loss to England in their latest match. Some fans and pundits have even labeled the team as “chokers” in tight situations.
New Zealand’s Campaign
New Zealand have faced rain interruptions in their campaign, with two of their five matches ending as no results. The White Ferns began with back-to-back losses to Australia (by 89 runs) and South Africa (by six wickets). They bounced back with a 100-run win over Bangladesh. Their matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan were abandoned due to rain.
New Zealand have many match-winners in their squad, including captain Sophie Devine, all-rounders Amelia Kerr and Suzie Bates, and bowlers Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr. However, rain disruptions have prevented them from building momentum.
Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have faced each other 57 times in WODIs since 1978. New Zealand lead with 34 wins, while India have 22 victories, and one match ended in a tie.
In their most recent ODI meeting last October, India chased 232 to defeat New Zealand by six wickets with 34 balls to spare at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
In Women’s World Cup history, India and New Zealand have crossed paths mostly in the group stage. A memorable match for Indian fans came in 2017 at Derby, where India beat New Zealand by 186 runs to secure a semi-final spot. Mithali Raj scored a century (109) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad took five wickets.
In 2005, India defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals by 40 runs, with Mithali Raj scoring an unbeaten 91. In the 2000 semi-finals, New Zealand dominated, bowling India out for 117 and chasing the target in just 26.5 overs.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy offers true bounce and consistent pace, allowing batters to play freely. Its flat nature favors high-scoring games. Fast bowlers may get some movement early, but spinners are likely to play a bigger role as the innings progresses. Winning the toss and choosing to bowl first can often provide a strategic advantage at this venue.
Squads
India Women: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy
New Zealand Women: Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Gaze, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu