India Women bounced back from three straight losses to secure their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinals with a convincing 53-run victory over New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal both scored centuries in a record 212-run partnership as India posted their highest-ever World Cup total of 340/3 in 49 overs. New Zealand, chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs due to rain, fell short at 271/8 despite brave efforts from Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo Match Report and Scorecard (https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-women-s-world-cup-2025-26-1478193/india-women-vs-new-zealand-women-24th-match-1490436/)
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India Women | 340/3 | 49 | 3 | Won by 53 runs |
| New Zealand Women | 271/8 | 44 | 8 | (DLS method) |
Toss: New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana (109 runs & 3 catches)
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | India | Batter | 109 runs off 95 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes) |
| Pratika Rawal | India | Batter | 122 runs off 134 balls (13 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | India | Batter | 76* runs off 55 balls (11 fours) |
| Brooke Halliday | New Zealand | Batter | 81 runs off 84 balls (9 fours, 1 six) |
| Isabella Gaze | New Zealand | Batter/WK | 65* runs off 51 balls (10 fours) |
| Renuka Singh | India | Bowler | 2/25 in 6 overs |
Source: ESPNcricinfo Full Scorecard
Key Moments
- Record Opening Stand: Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put on a massive 212-run opening partnership in 33.2 overs, India’s joint-highest by any opening pair in Women’s ODIs at World Cups.
- Twin Centuries: Both openers scored centuries, with Mandhana reaching her 14th ODI hundred off 86 balls and Rawal scoring her maiden World Cup century off 122 balls.
- Rodrigues Explosion: Returning to the team, Jemimah Rodrigues smashed the fastest half-century by an Indian in this World Cup, racing to 76 not out off just 55 balls with 11 boundaries.
- Rain Interruption: A 90-minute rain break reduced India’s innings to 49 overs. They scored 340/3, their highest World Cup total ever.
- Revised Target: New Zealand were set 325 to win in 44 overs under the DLS method after another rain delay during the innings break.
- Early Collapse: New Zealand lost both openers cheaply, with Suzie Bates dismissed for just 1 run and captain Sophie Devine bowled for 6, leaving them at 59/3.
- Fightback Efforts: Brooke Halliday (81) and Isabella Gaze (65*) tried to keep New Zealand in the hunt but the target proved too steep.
- India’s Bowling: Renuka Singh took crucial early wickets (2/25), while Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma picked up two wickets each to seal the win.
Match Analysis
India’s performance showed exactly what they needed after losing three games in a row. The opening partnership between Mandhana and Rawal was the foundation, giving India a strong start after New Zealand chose to bowl first. The pair batted with confidence and aggression, putting the New Zealand bowlers under pressure from the start.
What made India’s innings special was how they kept accelerating. After the openers set the platform, Jemimah Rodrigues came in and played fearlessly, hitting boundaries all around the ground. Her quick-fire 76 not out helped India score 86 runs in the last nine overs, taking their total to 340.
New Zealand’s chase was always going to be difficult, and losing wickets early made it almost impossible. Despite fighting knocks from Halliday and Gaze, who showed great courage and skill, the asking rate kept climbing. India’s bowlers, especially Renuka Singh in the powerplay, made sure New Zealand never got the momentum they needed.
The 611-run match aggregate was the highest ever between these two teams in Women’s ODIs, showing how good the batting conditions were at the DY Patil Stadium.
What’s Next?
India have now qualified for the semifinals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. They will play their final group match against Bangladesh on Sunday, October 26, 2025. With their semifinal spot secured, India can use that match to fine-tune their combination and give their key players rest if needed.
For New Zealand, their World Cup journey is over. They finish with just one win from six matches, with two games washed out due to rain. Captain Sophie Devine expressed frustration with the tournament, saying they would have loved more opportunities to play and show what they could do.
India’s semifinal opponent and date will be confirmed after the group stage concludes. The hosts will be hoping to continue their winning form and challenge for the World Cup title on home soil.