India have reignited their Women’s World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, storming into the semi-finals with a 53-run (DLS) win over New Zealand in Navi Mumbai. The triumph secured the final semi-final spot for the hosts, while simultaneously eliminating New Zealand and Sri Lanka from contention.
It was a must-win match for both sides, and India delivered when it mattered most, bouncing back from three consecutive defeats with a complete performance led by centuries from Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana.
The co-hosts entered the clash under immense pressure, knowing that anything less than victory would end their hopes of a top-four finish. New Zealand, level with India on four points before the match, were also desperate for a win after rain had washed out their last two fixtures.
Rain once again threatened to disrupt proceedings. A 90-minute delay late in India’s innings shortened the game to 49 overs per side, before another spell of rain further reduced New Zealand’s target to 325 from 44 overs.
However, India’s batters had already done the damage. Pratika Rawal’s superb 122 off 134 balls – the second-highest score of the tournament – and Smriti Mandhana’s fluent 109 from 95 deliveries powered India to a formidable 340-3, their highest total of the competition.
The pair shared a magnificent 212-run opening partnership that completely blunted New Zealand’s new-ball attack. Their poise and power set the tone for a statement win. Mandhana passed fifty for the third consecutive game, while Rawal converted her start into a commanding century that anchored the innings.
Once Rawal departed, Jemimah Rodrigues kept the momentum going with a dazzling 76 from 55 balls, taking full advantage of her promotion up the order. Between them, India’s top three smashed 42 boundaries and maintained a scoring rate close to seven runs an over, leaving the White Ferns with a mountain to climb.
New Zealand’s bowlers had little joy throughout the innings. Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr found some movement early on but were unable to sustain the pressure. As the Indian pair settled, the visitors’ attack looked increasingly toothless, struggling for breakthroughs or economy.
Chasing a daunting 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand’s hopes suffered early blows. Veteran opener Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine both fell cheaply, leaving the side reeling at 59-3 inside 12 overs. Despite some spirited resistance from Brooke Halliday and wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze, who both struck half-centuries, the chase never truly threatened India’s total.
Gaze’s explosive 50 from just 39 balls gave New Zealand a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late. India’s bowlers lacked their usual sharpness but maintained enough control to secure a comfortable win as New Zealand finished on 271-8.
While India’s fielding and bowling were not flawless – several catches went down and loose deliveries offered free runs – the result was all that mattered. The win ensured they joined Australia, South Africa, and England in the knockout stages.
Even if New Zealand or Sri Lanka win their remaining group games and India lose their final match against Bangladesh, neither side can match India’s three wins – the key tiebreaker in the tournament standings.
For India, this victory could not have come at a better time. After a dream start to the competition with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they stumbled badly in the middle phase. Against South Africa, Australia, and England, they suffered agonizing defeats – each one highlighting missed opportunities.
They had South Africa on the ropes at 81-5 before Nadine de Klerk’s counterattack snatched victory away. Against Australia, a late-innings collapse saw them lose 36-6 before failing to defend 330. And versus England, a sluggish finish cost them a chase of 289, falling just four runs short despite needing only 62 off the final 10 overs.
Those heartbreaks put their campaign on the brink – but against New Zealand, India rediscovered their fire. The batting clicked with authority, partnerships flourished, and the home crowd had plenty to cheer about.
After the match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her side’s resilience:
“It wasn’t easy. Credit goes to the entire team, the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was. Pratika and Smriti were outstanding, and the team really lifted each other after three tough games. When you play at home, expectations are high, but we’re learning to enjoy that pressure.”
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, visibly disappointed, acknowledged her team’s frustrations:
“We’re incredibly disappointed. It’s been a tough tournament, and rain hasn’t helped. Credit to India, they played brilliantly. With a full 50 overs, who knows, maybe we could have got closer. We’re a small nation playing giants, and I’m proud of how the girls fought.”
For India, the focus now shifts to their final group game against Bangladesh — a chance to fine-tune their form ahead of the semi-finals. With Mandhana and Rawal in sublime touch, and the middle order finding rhythm, the hosts are once again looking like genuine title contenders.
