India Beat New Zealand by 53 Runs to Enter World Cup Semifinals

Image Credit: BCCI Women(X)

India secured their place in the semifinals of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 with a convincing 53 run victory over New Zealand via the DLS method at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 23, 2025.​

Batting first after winning the toss and electing to field, New Zealand were subjected to a batting masterclass by the Indian openers. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal stitched together a record breaking opening partnership of 212 runs, the highest for India in Women's World Cup history. Mandhana scored a fluent 109 off 95 balls with 10 fours and four sixes, while Rawal anchored the innings with a composed 122 off 134 balls, hitting 13 fours and two sixes.​

After the dismissal of both openers, Jemimah Rodrigues, returning to the playing XI, smashed an unbeaten 76 off 55 balls to propel India to 340 for 3 in 49 overs. This was India's highest total in the tournament. Rain interrupted play twice during the match, first reducing the innings to 49 overs and then revising New Zealand's target to 325 in 44 overs.​

Chasing a formidable target, New Zealand lost Suzie Bates early for just 1 run when she was caught by Pratika Rawal off Kranti Gaud. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr tried to rebuild with a 50 run partnership, but Renuka Singh broke through by dismissing Plimmer for 30. Singh then removed captain Sophie Devine for 6 in her next over, leaving New Zealand reeling at 59 for 3.​

Despite fighting half centuries from Brooke Halliday, who scored 81 off 84 balls, and Isabella Gaze, who remained unbeaten on 65 off 51 balls, New Zealand could only manage 271 for 8 in their allotted 44 overs. Renuka Singh was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 25, while Kranti Gaud claimed 2 for 48. Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani and Pratika Rawal chipped in with one wicket each.​

The victory ensured India finished fourth in the points table with six points from three wins, joining Australia, South Africa and England in the semifinals. Even if they lose their final group match against Bangladesh, India will advance based on having more wins than New Zealand and Sri Lanka, who can only reach a maximum of two victories.