Mumbai: Sublime centuries from Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana fired India into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 courtesy of a 53-run victory (DLS) over New Zealand.
The Indian openers both produced impressive knocks, making 122 and 109 respectively, as the hosts set New Zealand an imposing 341 for victory in 49 overs following a rain delay. That target was then revised to 325 from 44 overs following further rain.
Roared on by a crowd of 25,166 in Navi Mumbai – the highest group stage attendance at any ICC women’s event – India’s bowlers were able to get the job done by stymying the New Zealand batters despite stoic efforts from Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze.
It meant India sealed their place in the semi-finals in style, where they will play in Navi Mumbai irrespective of their opponent.
