When Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal both reached three‑figure scores, the crowd at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy knew a miracle was unfolding.
At 3:00 PM IST on Thursday, 23 October 2025, the India women's cricket team posted 340 runs in 49 overs, eventually beating the New Zealand women's cricket team by 53 runs. The win secured India’s place in the semi‑finals of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025Navi Mumbai, ending New Zealand’s campaign.
Why this match mattered more than a typical group game
Although it was technically a group‑stage fixture, the clash functioned as a de‑facto knockout. A win guaranteed a semi‑final slot; a loss would have forced India into a precarious tie‑breaker against Bangladesh while hoping England beat New Zealand. With Australia, South Africa and England already through, the pressure on Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s captain, was palpable.
“We felt the weight of the nation on our shoulders,” Kaur said in the post‑match press conference. “After the heartbreak in Indore, we knew we had to prove we belong here.”
Batting fireworks: how Mandhana and Rawal turned the tide
Opening the innings, Mandhana set a brisk tempo, cruising to a 132‑run century off 115 balls. Her partnership with Rawal, who arrived at the crease after a modest start, blossomed into a 190‑run stand that left the New Zealand bowlers scrambling.
Rawal, batting at number three, displayed textbook aggression, smashing 115 runs with just 78 deliveries. Her strike rate of 147.4 was the highest among the top‑order batters in the tournament. A quick cameo from Jemimah Rodrigues, unbeaten 76, capped the innings and pushed the total beyond 340.
The scoreboard read 340/4 at the close of the 49th over – a total that, oddly enough, had seemed impossible only a week earlier when India collapsed for 84 against England.
New Zealand’s reply and where it fell short
Chasing 341, the Sophie Devine-led New Zealand side started confidently. Opening pair Suzie Bates and Georgina Plimmer put together 78 runs before the first wicket fell.
But the middle order never found its rhythm. Amelia Kerr managed a modest 44, and a flurry of wickets in the 30th over shifted momentum decisively. New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 287, leaving India with a comfortable 53‑run margin.
Reactions from the dugout and the stands
Coach Amol Muzumdar praised his side’s resilience. “We worked on handling pressure situations for months. Today the players showed why we believed in that plan,” he noted, gesturing toward the jubilant fans.
In the stands, the atmosphere was electric. Regulars at the 15,000‑seat DY Patil Stadium sang the anthem, waved flags, and celebrated each boundary as if it were a national holiday.
What this win means for India’s World Cup journey
India now joins Australia, South Africa and England in the semi‑finals. The next opponent is yet to be decided – it will be either Australia or South Africa, depending on the outcome of their clash on 26 October. Either way, India will have a week to recover, fine‑tune the death‑over bowling, and perhaps give more overs to the promising seamers like Renuka Singh Thakur.
Analyst Ravi Sharma from the Sports Analytics Lab weighed in: “The partnership between Mandhana and Rawal is the most valuable innings we’ve seen in a World Cup qualifier. If they can replicate that against a top‑four side, India have a genuine shot at the title.”
Key facts
- Match date: 23 Oct 2025, 15:00 IST
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai (capacity ~15,000)
- India total: 340/4 in 49 overs
- New Zealand total: 287 all out in 50 overs
- Top performers: Smriti Mandhana 132, Pratika Rawal 115, Jemimah Rodrigues 76*
*Runs in bold denote centuries.
Looking ahead: the semi‑final picture
India will have a short recovery period before the semi‑final, slated for 30 October at the same venue. The coaching staff is already planning a rotation for the fast bowlers to keep them fresh. Meanwhile, New Zealand will head back home, where they’ll regroup for the upcoming series against England.
For fans, the excitement is palpable. Social media lit up with #INDvsNZ and #WWC2025 trending across India, Pakistan and Australia. Ticket sales for the semi‑final are already sold out, a testament to the growing appetite for women’s cricket in the subcontinent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect India's chances in the semi‑final?
Securing a spot early allows India to rest key bowlers and focus on strategic planning. With momentum from the centuries and a solid fielding unit, analysts rate India as a top‑three contender for the final, especially if they maintain aggressive batting against a high‑caliber opponent.
What were the decisive moments that turned the match in India's favour?
The 190‑run stand between Mandhana and Rawal was the watershed. It not only pushed the total beyond 300 but also exhausted New Zealand’s frontline bowlers. The subsequent wicket spree in the 30th over, led by Renuka Singh Thakur, sealed the chase.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming semi‑final?
All eyes will be on Mandhana and Rawal for their batting firepower. On the bowling side, Amita Khan (though not in the XI for this match) is a potential game‑changer, while Renuka Singh Thakur’s swing will be crucial against a strong New Zealand lineup.
What does this result mean for women's cricket in India?
The victory is a boost for viewership and sponsorship. After a slump of three losses, the win reignites public interest, which could translate into better funding for grassroots programs and more televised matches in the coming years.
When and where will the semi‑final be played?
The semi‑final is scheduled for 30 October 2025 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Gates opened at 2:30 PM IST, and the match will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streaming platforms.
