In a thrilling encounter at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, the India Women’s cricket team delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat New Zealand Women by 53 runs (DLS method) in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. This crucial victory not only ended India’s brief slump but also confirmed their place in the semi-finals
Winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine chose to bowl first, hoping to use early morning movement. However, the Indian openers had other plans. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal stitched together a record-breaking 212-run opening partnership, completely dismantling the Kiwi attack.
Mandhana looked at her vintage best, scoring a fluent 109 off 95 balls, including 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. Her timing and placement were top-notch as she pierced gaps with ease. On the other end, Rawal played a composed yet commanding knock of 122 off 134 deliveries, mixing elegance with aggression.
After Mandhana’s dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues added the finishing touch with an unbeaten 76 off 55 balls, ensuring India posted a massive 340/3 in 49 overs.
Newzealand bowling Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr and Rosemary Mair took 1 wicket each.
Chasing revised target 325 in 44 overs according to DLS method, Newzealand innings began with shaky notes when Suzie Bates fell just on 1 , while Georgia plimmer added 30 off 25 balls and Sophie Devine managed only 6 .
Amelia Kerr tried to some resistance but mounting pressure of run rate, played steady knock of 45 off 53 deliveries, Maddy Green added 18 runs while , despite few promising Partnerships , struggled to maintain required run rate, Brooke Halliday fought hard with her fine inning 81 off 84 balls with the help of 9 fours and one sixes, 72 runs stand with Isabella Gaze,who played brilliant unbeaten knock 65 of 51 deliveries while Jess kerr quickfire 18 of 13 balls, at the end Newzealand managed 271/8 in 44 overs and fell 53 runs short , Newzealand knockout of the tournament.
India bowling Renuka, kranti got 2 wickets each while Sneh Rana, shree Charani, Deepti Sharma and Pratika Rawal took 1 wicket each.
Match summary
India: 340/3 in 49 overs
Top performer: Pratika 122, Smriti 109 , Suzie Bates 1/40
Newzealand: 271/8 in 44 over (DLS method)
Top performer: Brooke Halliday 81 , Isabella Gaze 65, Renuka Singh Thakur 2/25
Result: india women won by 53 runs
Player of the match: Smriti Mandhana 109 off 95 balls