India’s Women in Blue roared into the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup, thrashing New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS method) on Thursday at home. The emphatic victory, fueled by Smriti Mandhana’s scintillating century and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s sharp leadership, marked a triumphant turnaround after three consecutive defeats. A colossal 212-run opening partnership between Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set the stage for India’s commanding total, while disciplined bowling sealed the deal.
The match began with India posting a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs, powered by centuries from Pratika Rawal (122 off 115 balls, 14 fours, 2 sixes) and Smriti Mandhana (109 off 103 balls, 12 fours, 1 six). Their aggressive stand laid a rock-solid foundation, allowing Jemimah Rodrigues to unleash a blistering 76* off 48 balls, packed with 8 fours and a six, propelling India to their highest tournament total. “We got a perfect start,” Harmanpreet said post-match. “Credit to Smriti and Pratika for taking responsibility. When they put 200 runs on the board, we knew we could send Jemi in at three, and she delivered what the world expected.”
Chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand struggled early, slumping to 1/1 with Suzie Bates’ dismissal for just 1. Sophie Devine’s quick exit for 6 left them at 59/3. A 56-run stand between Amelia Kerr (45) and Brooke Halliday (81 off 84 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) offered hope, but India’s bowlers struck back. Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Goud (2/48) led the attack, with Sneh Rana and Pratika Rawal chipping in to restrict New Zealand to 271/8. Isabella Gaze’s gritty 65* off 51 balls couldn’t bridge the gap. Renuka also celebrated a milestone, reaching 100 international wickets (40 ODIs, 58 T20Is, 2 Tests).
Also Read: Mandhana’s Record Fifty and Rawal’s Milestone Knock Power India’s World Cup Charge
Harmanpreet praised her team’s resolve under home-crowd pressure. “Playing at home, expectations are high, but we treated it as a moment to enjoy, not stress,” she said. “After three tough games, everyone stood up. We were positive and knew today was the day to change things.” She highlighted areas for improvement, noting, “Batting has been strong, but we need to tighten our bowling as a unit.”
Player of the Match Smriti Mandhana, beaming after her century, said, “It’s a big relief to qualify. The last three games were tough, but we played good cricket today. Pratika deserved this as much as I do.” Reflecting on her approach, she added, “I love dominating pace. After a slow start, I just backed myself to play the ball.”
New Zealand’s Sophie Devine was crestfallen but gracious in defeat. “We’re gutted, not just for us but our supporters,” she said. “India’s target was too big. Their 212-run opening stand was tough to counter, but I’m proud of how Isabella Gaze and Brooke Halliday fought.” Devine noted their strong powerplay bowling but lamented missed wickets, saying, “When you don’t break partnerships, teams can go hard.”
India’s bowlers shone as a unit, with every bowler contributing. Pratika Rawal, fresh off her century, dismissed Maddy Green (18), while Sneh Rana removed Kerr. New Zealand’s fielding was spirited, with Bates (1/40), Kerr (1/69), and Rosemary Mair (1/52) taking wickets, but India’s top order was unstoppable.
This victory sets India up for a thrilling semi-final clash, with Harmanpreet urging her team to stay focused. “We’ve shown we can bounce back, but we need to keep improving,” she said. For Mandhana and Rawal, their record-breaking stand has set a new benchmark, signaling India’s intent to go all the way in this home World Cup.
Also Read: South Africa’s Big Win Sends India Climbing to Third in World Test Championship