India Seal Semi-final Spot with Big Win

India ended their run of three consecutive defeats by beating New Zealand in style on Thursday. The victory ensured their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The team they will face in the knockout round will depend on the outcome of Saturday’s match between South Africa and Australia.

Although Harmanpreet Kaur lost the toss, India’s batters made history by surpassing their previous World Cup best total of 330 runs, set against Australia earlier in the tournament. Rodrigues returned to the playing XI, replacing allrounder Amanjot Kaur.

India Dominate with Bat, Mandhana and Rawal Shine

Rain delays forced the target to be adjusted to 325 runs in 44 overs under the DLS method. New Zealand were asked to chase the highest-ever total in women’s ODIs. However, their slow approach left them with too much to do, needing 168 runs from the last 15 overs.

Pratika Rawal, who scored a brilliant 122, was the star performer. She and Smriti Mandhana built a record 212-run partnership — their seventh century stand, the joint-most by any Indian pair in women’s ODIs. The duo overcame a cautious start, adding only 18 runs in the first six overs, before shifting gears.

Mandhana reached her half-century in 49 balls, while Rawal took 75. Once settled, Mandhana attacked the spinners, hitting Eden Carson for a six over wide long-off. Rawal, on the other hand, punished seamer Lea Tahuhu with two stunning boundaries — one over midwicket and another straight down the ground.

Mandhana had a lucky escape on 77 when she reviewed an lbw decision and survived after UltraEdge showed a faint nick. She went on to score her 14th ODI century off 88 balls, just one short of Meg Lanning’s all-time record.

Tired and cramping, Mandhana continued to play aggressively but was caught at long-on by Hannah Rowe off Suzie Bates for 106, ending the massive opening partnership.

Rodrigues Returns and Impresses at No. 3

Rawal reached her second ODI hundred in 122 balls and continued to play freely. Rodrigues complemented her well, playing stylish strokes and finding the gaps with ease. Rawal hit her first six soon after reaching her century but was eventually dismissed for 122 after miscuing another big shot to long-on.

Rodrigues continued to dominate, scoring 76 not out off just 55 deliveries. Her innings was full of flair — she swept, reverse-swept, drove through the off side, and punished full balls behind square. She hit 11 fours and played with remarkable confidence.

Rain interrupted India’s innings again in the 48th over, and the game was reduced further, cutting five overs from New Zealand’s chase.

India’s Bowlers Seal the Victory

Chasing 325, New Zealand never looked comfortable. Renuka Singh removed Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine early with superb in-swinging deliveries. India’s spinners then tightened control, leaving New Zealand far behind the required rate.

Brooke Halliday played a fighting knock of 84 from 81 balls, while Isabella Gaze contributed a career-best 76 not out. The pair added 72 runs for the sixth wicket but could only delay defeat as New Zealand finished on 271 for 8.

Renuka and Kranti Gaud’s disciplined bowling in the first powerplay was crucial — they didn’t allow a single boundary in the first six overs. With only five specialist bowlers, India even turned to Rawal for a few overs. She impressed again, taking her maiden World Cup wicket by dismissing Maddy Green.