India pulled off a stunning 53-run (DLS) victory over New Zealand in Navi Mumbai, storming their way to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals. The win ended a train of three back-to-back defeats, reviving their hopes for achieving the world title. The result, while securing India’s progression, also eliminated both New Zealand and Sri Lanka from the competition.
Both sides were under pressure to win the game, particularly the co-hosts who had faltered mid-tournament. Despite being one of the early favourites, alongside Australia and England, India risked missing out on the final four for the third time in four editions. But with a strong batting display led by Pratika Rawal and Smritri Mandana, they silenced doubts and returned to form at the perfect time.
Batting first after a brief rain delay, India amassed a commanding 34-3, their highest total of the tournament. Rawal’s 122 off 134 balls and Mandana’s 109 from 95 deliveries set the tone, their opening partnership of 212 runs dismantling New Zealand’s new ball attack. Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr‘s early swing rarely troubled the pair, as they patiently built their innings before accelerating with ease once the ball softened.
Mandhana, who passed fifty for the third consecutive innings, looked in fluent touch throughout, while Rawal’s knock, the second-highest individual score in the tournament, was marked by impeccable timing and placement. Jemimah Rodrigues completed India’s dominance with a blistering 76 off 55 balls. Her aggressive stroke play ensured the run rate never dipped, and she became the seventh Indian player to cross fifty in the World Cup.
Rain briefly interrupted the play twice, reducing the game to 49 overs per side and later adjusting New Zealand’s target to 325 in 44 overs. However, the interruptions did little to affect India’s pace. Their batters struck 42 boundaries and maintained a scoring rate just shy of seven overs, showcasing the firepower that had been missing in earlier games.
In response, New Zealand’s chase began poorly. Experienced campaigners Suzie Bates and Captain Sophie Devine both fell for single-digit scores, leaving the White Ferns struggling at 59-3. Despite a spirited middle-order fightback from Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze, who each registered half-centuries, the task proved too steep. Gaze’s 50 from 39 balls provided late entertainment, but New Zealand’s 271-8 finish never seriously threatened India’s lead.
The result carried much significance, as it propelled India into the semi-finals alongside Australia, South Africa and England, while also mathematically ending the hopes of both New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Even if India were to lose their final group match against Bangladesh, their three wins would keep them clear on tie-breaks.
This victory also redeems India’s shaky performance earlier in the tournament. Losses to South Africa, Australia, and England revealed inconsistencies in both bat and ball performance. Nadine de Klerk’s brilliance undid India after they reduced their opponents to 81-5 against South Africa. In the subsequent match, India lost a commanding lead against Australia, crumbling to a final score of 36-6. Finally, facing off against England, India failed to chase a manageable 289, falling short by just 4 runs despite needing only 62 off the final 10 overs.
The Navi Mumbai match was therefore a test of character as much as skill, and the team responded emphatically. Mandhana and Rawal paved the way for Rodrigues to capitalise.
However, despite the victory, concerns remained. India’s bowlers dropped several catches and even allowed New Zealand’s middle order to score freely during the final overs, proving a stark contrast to the ruthlessness of their batters. While the margin of victory was comfortable, the lack of a complete bowling performance could prove costly when faced with stronger opponents in the knockout rounds.
Nevertheless, the result has renewed the sense of optimism in the Indian camp. As the competition narrows into the semi-finals, this performance in Navi Mumbai may be the boost India needed, as their campaign now looks firmly back on track.
