India Women defeated New Zealand Women by 53 runs (DLS method) in Match 24 of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, thanks to historic centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
Match Overview: A Knockout Clash at DY Patil Stadium
On October 23, 2025, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai hosted a high-stakes encounter between India Women and New Zealand Women in Match 24 of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. With both teams vying for a spot in the semifinals, the pressure was immense—and India delivered a performance for the ages.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to capitalize on early breakthroughs. But what followed was a batting masterclass that rewrote World Cup history.
Opening Blitz: Mandhana & Rawal Make History
India’s innings began with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal walking out to open—and they didn’t just build a foundation, they built a fortress.
- The duo stitched together a 212-run opening partnership off 202 balls.
- Mandhana scored a fluent 109 off 95 balls, smashing 10 fours and 3 sixes.
- Rawal was even more dominant, scoring 122 off 134 balls, including 13 boundaries and 2 sixes.
This partnership became the highest opening stand in Women’s World Cup history, and both players etched their names into the record books as the first opening pair to score centuries in the same World Cup match.
Rain Interruptions & Revised Targets
Just after the 48th over of India’s innings, rain halted play. The match resumed after a 30-minute delay, and India finished with a mammoth 340/3 in 49 overs.
Key contributions:
- Jemimah Rodrigues: 76* off 55 balls
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 10 off 11
- Richa Ghosh: 4* off 3
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled:
- Rosemary Mair: 1/52
- Amelia Kerr: 1/69
- Suzie Bates: 1/40
Rain returned again before New Zealand’s chase, and the target was revised to 325 runs in 44 overs under the DLS method.
India’s Bowling Dominates the Chase
New Zealand’s chase began on a shaky note:
- Suzie Bates was dismissed for 1 in the second over by Kranti Gaud.
- Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr tried to stabilize, adding 50+ runs during the powerplay.
- Plimmer was bowled by Renuka Singh Thakur for 30.
- Thakur struck again, removing Sophie Devine for 6.
Despite a valiant effort from:
- Brooke Halliday: 81 off 84 balls
- Isabella Gaze: 51* off 65 balls
New Zealand could only manage 271/8 in 44 overs, falling short by 53 runs.
India Books Semifinal Spot
With this win, India secured a place in the semifinals, overturning a three-match losing streak and delivering a statement performance.
- India’s total of 340/3 was their highest-ever score in Women’s World Cup history.
- Mandhana was named Player of the Match for her century and three catches.
- Rawal became the joint-fastest to 1,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, adding another feather to her cap.
Score Summary
India Women – 340/3 (49 overs)
- Pratika Rawal – 122 (134)
- Smriti Mandhana – 109 (95)
- Jemimah Rodrigues – 76* (55)
New Zealand Women – 271/8 (44 overs)
- Brooke Halliday – 81 (84)
- Isabella Gaze – 51* (65)
- Renuka Singh Thakur – 2/25
- Kranti Gaud – 2/48
Key Partnerships
- Rawal & Mandhana – 212 runs (202 balls)
- Rawal & Rodrigues – 76 runs (58 balls)
- Kaur & Rodrigues – 41 runs (30 balls)
These partnerships were instrumental in building a total that proved too steep for New Zealand to chase.
What’s Next?
India will now prepare for the semifinals, with momentum and confidence on their side. The team’s batting depth, bowling precision, and fielding sharpness make them strong contenders for the Women’s World Cup 2025 title.
Fans are already speculating: Can India go all the way this time?
