India confirm semi-final berth beating New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS) in Women's World Cup

On a day of high-quality cricket and a rain-adjusted 44-over chase, the hosts combined batting brilliance with new-ball firepower to outplay the Kiwis.

Put in to bat, India were off to a flyer with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal stitching a record-breaking 212-run opening stand. Smriti dazzled with a fluent 109 off 95 — her first ton of the tournament — while Pratika anchored beautifully, converting her start into a sublime 122.

The duo batted deep, exhausting New Zealand’s bowling options, before Jemimah Rodrigues unleashed a flurry of strokes, remaining unbeaten on 76 off 55. India posted a mammoth 340/3 in 49 overs before rain halted play.

Smriti Mandhana slams a century against New Zealand. Photo: BCCI Women/X

Post-resumption, New Zealand were handed a revised target of 325 in 44 overs — a daunting ask that was made worse by Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud. Renuka's twin strikes — dismissing Plimmer and Devine — combined with Kranti’s early breakthrough of Suzie Bates left New Zealand reeling at 59/3.

Though Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday attempted a revival, spin struggles plagued India in the middle overs until Sneh Rana’s timely wicket and Pratika’s part-time off-spin dismissal of Maddy Green put the hosts back in control. Halliday (81) and Gaze (65*) showed resistance, but the mounting required rate proved too much.

India cleaned up the tail with Kranti and Deepti Sharma striking late, wrapping up the win and their spot in the final four.

Smriti Mandhana, Player of the Match, said, "It’s a huge relief to qualify for the knockouts. The last three matches were really tough. We played some good cricket, but couldn’t get over the line, so this win feels special. Honestly, I think Pratika deserves this award as much as I do. I’m actually a bit surprised to receive it.

"I prefer pace over spin, and today was about giving the team a solid start despite a few nerves early on. The first few games didn’t go my way, but I focused on staying positive, working hard in the nets, and trusting the process. Batting with Pratika is always enjoyable; she anchors the innings beautifully, and that lets me play my natural attacking game. We have a great understanding and just focus on doing our jobs for the team."

(With inputs from BCCI website)