Rawal and Mandhana Centuries Power India to Crucial Victory
India produced a stunning batting performance to break their losing streak and secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals. They achieved this with a commanding victory over New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Led by brilliant centuries from openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, India posted their highest-ever World Cup total. This dominant display effectively sealed the fourth and final semi-final spot, marking a remarkable turnaround after three consecutive defeats.
Record-Breaking Partnership Sets the Tone
After being put in to bat, India's innings initially started slowly. However, openers Rawal and Mandhana soon found their rhythm. They unleashed a spectacular assault on the New Zealand bowlers. The pair put together a massive 212-run partnership, their seventh century stand in ODIs. This is the joint-most by any Indian pair in the women's game.
Mandhana was the first to reach her century, her 14th in ODIs, off just 88 balls. She benefited from a slice of luck on 77, surviving an LBW appeal via a tiny spike on UltraEdge after initially walking off. Rawal played the anchor role initially but accelerated beautifully, reaching her second ODI hundred off 122 balls. She displayed excellent strokeplay, particularly square of the wicket. Their partnership laid the foundation for a huge total.
Rodrigues Finishes with a Flourish
Following Mandhana's dismissal for 109 and Rawal's departure for 122, Jemimah Rodrigues provided the perfect finish. Returning to the side at number 3, Rodrigues played a dynamic, unbeaten innings of 76 off just 55 balls. She showcased her full range of strokes, hitting 11 boundaries. Her knock propelled India to a formidable 340 for 3 in 49 overs before rain intervened.
Rain and Bowling Effort Seal the Win
Over two hours were lost due to rain. This led to a revised target for New Zealand under the DLS method. They needed 325 runs in 44 overs, requiring the highest-ever successful chase in women's ODIs.
India's bowlers, led by Renuka Singh, ensured New Zealand never got close. Renuka struck early, bowling both Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine with sharp in-swinging deliveries. This put immediate pressure on the batting side. New Zealand struggled to build momentum against India's disciplined bowling, particularly the spinners.
Brooke Halliday fought hard with an impressive 84 off 81 balls. Isabella Gaze also contributed an unbeaten 76. However, regular wickets fell at the other end. New Zealand's chase lacked the required urgency against the steep target. They eventually finished well short at 271 for 8. India's comprehensive 53-run win (DLS method) confirmed their spot in the final four.
India secured their World Cup semi-final spot by beating New Zealand convincingly after three straight losses.
Openers Pratika Rawal (122) and Smriti Mandhana (109) scored brilliant centuries in a record 212-run partnership.
Jemimah Rodrigues added a quickfire 76* as India posted their highest-ever World Cup total of 340/3 (later adjusted by DLS).
New Zealand fell short in their chase, restricted to 271/8 despite half-centuries from Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze.
