Mandhana and Rawal shine as India storm into semis, outclass New Zealand

Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal delivered stellar batting performances in Navi Mumbai, leading India to a commanding 53-run victory over.

New Zealand and securing a place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals. The win ended India’s three-match losing streak and highlighted the form of two of the tournament’s standout performers.

Electing to bat first at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, India posted a formidable 340/3 in a rain-shortened 49 overs. Mandhana scored a fluent 109, while Rawal compiled an impressive 122, their partnership of 211 runs laying a strong foundation for India’s knockout push. The pair combined timing, power, and precision, bringing up their 50-run stand off 64 balls before accelerating to dominate the New Zealand bowlers. Rawal also became the joint-fastest player to reach 1,000 runs in Women’s ODIs, achieving the milestone in just 23 innings.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand struggled from the outset. Veteran opener Suzie Bates fell cheaply, edging Kranti Gaud to Rawal, and despite a brief resistance from Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr, Renuka Singh and other Indian bowlers ensured New Zealand never recovered. Renuka took two key wickets, while Rawal also contributed with the ball, dismissing Maddy Green. Brooke Halliday fought valiantly with an unbeaten 81, but New Zealand eventually finished on 271/8, falling well short of the target.

India’s innings saw Mandhana and Rawal patiently settle before unleashing their attacking strokes, with Mandhana completing her third World Cup century off 88 balls and Rawal registering her maiden century in the tournament. The duo’s consistency and control put India firmly in command, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed an unbeaten 76, accelerating the scoring towards the end and adding 77 crucial runs in partnership with Rawal.

The win secured India’s last semi-final spot with three victories from six matches. They will next face Bangladesh on October 26 at the same venue, while New Zealand will aim for a consolation win against hosts India in their final group match in Visakhapatnam. India’s blend of experience and emerging talent, led by the masterful displays of Mandhana and Rawal, positions them as serious contenders for the title.