India returned to winning ways ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with a comprehensive 53-run (DLS) win over New Zealand at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. The record-breaking opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal laid the foundation for a spectacular win, with both batsmen scoring brilliant centuries.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Raval are leading India’s batting line-up
Batting first after New Zealand chose to bowl, India posted a mammoth score of 340/3 in 49 overs. The innings started with Raval’s stormy innings of 122 runs in 134 balls and Mandhana’s 109 runs in 95 balls. The duo put on a brilliant partnership of 214 runs for the first wicket – India’s highest partnership so far in the tournament – dismantling the White Ferns bowling attack with brilliant stroke play and measured aggression.
Mandhana performed particularly fluently in the off side, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes, while Raval’s innings was based on composure and placement, hitting 13 fours and two sixes. Their partnership laid the right foundation for a late flourish, with Jemimah Rodrigues (76 off 55) providing the finishing touches. His fluent innings, studded with 11 fours, took India past the 300-run mark before rain briefly interrupted play.
New Zealand bowlers are working hard as India dominate the middle overs
New Zealand’s bowling unit struggled to contain India’s attack on a flat batting surface. Neither bowler managed to apply sustained pressure, with Amelia Kerr (1/69) and Rosemary Mair (1/52) being the only notable wicket-takers. Captain Sophie Devine’s decision to bowl first backfired as India’s openers made full use of the fielding restrictions and punished loose balls.
The absence of breakthroughs in the powerplay hurt New Zealand’s momentum, giving India a chance to dictate terms in the middle overs. Even experienced batsmen like Lee Tahuhu and Jess Kerr failed to achieve swing or seam movement, leaving the White Ferns chasing leather for most of the innings.
Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze fight hard for New Zealand
chasing a Revised target of 324 runs in 44 overs (DLS method), New Zealand Women faltered early as Renuka Thakur dismissed the experienced Suzie Bates (1) cheaply. Despite brief counter-attacks from Georgia Plimmer (30 off 25) and Amelia Kerr (45 off 53), routine wickets pushed the visitors back.
Middle-order batsman Brooke Halliday offered strong resistance, scoring 81 off 84 balls with nine fours and a six, while young Izzy Gaze impressed with 65 off 51 balls. Their 72-run partnership briefly gave New Zealand hope, but India’s bowling unit took control in the final overs.
Kranti Gaur (2/48) and Renuka Thakur (2/25) were the outstanding bowlers, who were well supported by Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma, who took one wicket each. Pratika Raval capped off her memorable day by taking one wicket in her four-over spell, removing the dangerous Halliday as she looked set for a late attack.
🇮🇳 In the semi-finals!
Team India’s comprehensive win against White Ferns 🙂#Cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/GVcSnVlnyi
– WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) 23 October 2025
Also read: Fans react to Pratika Raval scoring her first World Cup century for India against New Zealand
player of the match
Smriti Mandhana was adjudged Player of the Match for her brilliant century and composed leadership at the top. His innings not only sealed the victory but also cemented his position as one of the leading performers of the tournament.
Player of the match: Smriti Mandhana 🥇#Cricket #INDvNZ #CWC25 #ODI pic.twitter.com/Mk1CIqSZV8
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 23 October 2025
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