After weeks of turbulence and tension, India Women have finally secured their spot in the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup sealing the fourth and last qualification spot with a dominating 53-run victory (DLS Method) against New Zealand in DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The win wasn’t merely a match victory; it was an assertion of grit, character, and reawakening after a rough mid-tournament spell that had tested every nerve of the Indian team.
This emphatic win comes as a redemption arc after India’s shaky middle phase. Earlier in the tournament, they began winning back-to-back games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh confidently but soon spiraled into a sequence of three heart-wrenching defeats.
Against South Africa, India posted 251, powered by Richa Ghosh’s breathtaking 94 off 77, only to see the Proteas chase it down in 48.5 overs. Then came the historic clash with Australia, where Pratika Rawal and Mandhana’s 155-run opening stand propelled India to 330, but an irresistible Australian batting display led to the highest-ever chase ever in women’s ODI history.
The heartbreak in Indore followed with a narrow four-run defeat to England despite Mandhana’s 88 and Harmanpreet 70. Each loss deepened the self-doubt and reignited familiar fears about India’s ability to close matches under pressure.
Heading into the must-win encounter against New Zealand, the pressure was immense. The narrative had shifted from championship hopes to survival instincts. But India responded like a team reborn — blending youthful energy with senior composure. Mandhana’s certainty, Rawal’s fearlessness, and Renuka’s incisive swing all came together at the perfect hour.
India’s innings was built around the brilliance of openers Pratika Rawal, who struck an elegant 122 off 134 balls, laced with 13 boundaries and two powerful sixes. Partnering her was the ever-dependable Smriti Mandhana, who played with typical flair and intent, crafting a fluent 109 off 95 balls including 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Their 212-run opening stand laid the perfect foundation. When Mandhana fell in the 34th over, Jemimah Rodrigues (76* off 55) took charge, ensuring momentum never dipped. India posted a mammoth 340/3 in 49 overs. New Zealand’s bowlers had no answer, with Rosemary Mair (1/52) and Amelia Kerr (1/69) among the few to strike but struggling to contain the flow of runs.
Chasing 341, New Zealand faltered early as Kranti Gaud delivered an incisive new-ball spell, removing veteran Suzie Bates for just 1. Georgia Plimmer’s brief resistance (30 off 25) was cut short by Renuka Singh Thakur, leaving the hosts at 51/2.
Amelia Kerr (45) and Brooke Halliday (81) offered stability, but India’s varied attack—featuring the discipline of Kranti Gaud (2/48) and the control of Shree Charani and Sneh Rana kept breaking partnerships. Renuka finished with standout figures of 2/25 from six overs. Despite Isabella Gaze’s late 65* off 51, New Zealand ultimately folded for 271 in 44 overs, falling 53 runs short.
As India celebrated under the Navi Mumbai lights, the roar of redemption was unmatchable. This was not just a qualification; it was a reaffirmation of belief, a reminder that, even when cornered, champions always find their way back. With the semifinal berth sealed, the Women in Blue have rekindled hope and momentum, ready to turn their script of struggle into a story of triumph.
Loves all things female cricket