The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 lit up Navi Mumbai with a high stakes encounter that carried the weight of semi-final qualification. Under rainy skies and a cheering crowd, India Women rose magnificently to the occasion — producing one of their most commanding performances of the tournament — to defeat New Zealand Women by 53 runs in a result that sealed their place in the semifinals.
Coming into the contest, both sides stood on the brink: India needed a win to confirm the fourth and final semifinal berth, while New Zealand faced a must-win scenario to keep their campaign alive. What followed was a spectacle of pure batting brilliance, led by a sparkling century from Smriti Mandhana (109 off 95), alongside monumental support from Pratika Rawal (122 off 134) and Jemimah Rodrigues (76* off 55), as India piled up a towering 340/3 in 49 overs.
New Zealand’s reply was spirited — anchored by Brooke Halliday (81 off 84) and Isabella Gaze (65* off 51) — but India’s discipline with the ball, spearheaded by Renuka Singh Thakur (2/25), ensured they never truly threatened the target of 325 in 44 overs (DLS).
Smriti Mandhana – 109 (95)
Smriti Mandhana once again reaffirmed her status as one of world cricket’s elite batters with a breathtaking 109 off 95 balls, laced with 10 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 114.74. Opening with composure, she absorbed the early movement before unfurling her full range of strokes. Her innings was built on fluency and awareness, rotating the strike while punishing every loose delivery. Mandhana’s 212-run stand with Pratika Rawal dismantled the New Zealand bowling plans and set India on course for a monumental total. Falling in the 34th over, she departed to a standing ovation, having provided the perfect base for India’s eventual triumph. Her class, temperament, and timing earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
Pratika Rawal – 122 (134) & 1/19 (4)
Partnering Mandhana in one of the most dominant partnerships of the tournament, Pratika Rawal compiled a majestic 122 off 134 balls, featuring 13 fours and 2 sixes. Rawal’s knock was a masterclass in pacing an innings — starting steadily, matching Mandhana stroke for stroke when the spinners came on, and then accelerating in the latter overs. After Mandhana’s departure, she anchored the middle overs with calm assurance before eventually falling at 2-288 (42.6 ov). It was an innings of poise and intelligence, central to India’s dominance. Later on, with her off spin, she took the wicket of Maddy Green.
Jemimah Rodrigues – 76* (55)
Jemimah Rodrigues applied the finishing touches to India’s imposing total with an unbeaten 76 off 55 balls, decorated with 11 fours at a strike rate of 138.18. Her positive intent from ball one ensured the momentum never dipped. Jemimah’s shot selection — particularly her late cuts — kept the runs flowing and the fielders guessing. Her partnership of 76 off 58 with Rawal added the acceleration India needed to surge past 340, turning a strong position into an unassailable one.
Renuka Singh Thakur – 2/25 (6)
With the new ball, Renuka Singh Thakur delivered the breakthroughs India required. Her spell of 6–0–25–2 was exemplary — full of discipline, swing, and precision. She dismissed the opener, Georgia Plimmer and the inform skipper Sophie Devine, early in the chase to derail New Zealand’s pursuit. Renuka’s ability to move the ball both ways under lights made scoring difficult, and her economy maintained constant pressure that allowed India’s spinners to dictate the middle phase.
Brooke Halliday – 81 (84)
For New Zealand, Brooke Halliday offered resistance with a well-crafted 81 off 84 balls, including 9 fours and a six at a strike rate of 96.42. Calm under pressure, Halliday rebuilt the innings after early setbacks and kept her side within touching distance of the asking rate. Her fluent strokeplay and ability to find the gaps were commendable, but with wickets tumbling around her, the task grew insurmountable. Her dismissal in the 39th over ended New Zealand’s last realistic hope of a comeback.
Isabella Gaze – 65* (51)
Isabella Gaze produced a bright, unbeaten 65 off 51 deliveries, decorated with 10 boundaries, to add respectability to New Zealand’s total. Batting with maturity beyond her years, she counter attacked the Indian spinners with crisp footwork and confident strokeplay. Her ability to manipulate the field and pierce gaps reflected her growing confidence at the international level. Gaze’s innings ensured New Zealand crossed 270, salvaging pride in an otherwise fading chase.
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