India secured a semifinal berth in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 with a commanding 53-run win over New Zealand via the DLS method at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal led the charge with centuries, putting up a record 212-run opening stand. Smriti smashed 109 off 95 balls, while Pratika anchored the innings with 122 off 134 deliveries. Their partnership laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 340 for three in 49 overs.
Pratika silenced critics questioning her strike rate, reaching her second ODI century and becoming the joint-fastest to 1,000 runs in women’s ODIs, matching Australia’s Lindsay Reeler in just 23 innings. Smriti, confident and aggressive, notched her 17th international ton.
After Smriti’s dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues stepped up at No.3, scoring an unbeaten 76 off 55 balls and adding crucial runs with Pratika to maintain momentum.
Rain interrupted play, forcing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs for New Zealand. However, the White Ferns faltered early as Kranti Gaud and Renuka Thakur struck timely blows. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr failed to capitalize on their starts, leaving New Zealand struggling.
Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze offered resistance with half-centuries, but India’s disciplined bowling sealed the win. The packed stadium, with over 25,000 fans braving the rain, erupted as the Women in Blue returned to form after three losses and booked a semifinal spot for the first time in eight years.
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