India secured a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a convincing 53-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-hit match in Navi Mumbai on October 23, 2025. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a brilliant 109, supported by Pratika Rawal’s maiden World Cup century of 122, as the hosts bounced back from recent setbacks to keep their title hopes alive.
Mandhana and Rawal Shine in Record Partnership
The opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal stole the show with a massive 212-run stand, the highest for India in Women’s World Cup history. This partnership powered India to 340 for three in 49 overs, their best total in the tournament so far.
Mandhana, who has been in top form this year with five centuries, played aggressively from the start. She mixed elegant drives with powerful pulls, reaching her hundred in style. Rawal, in just her second World Cup game, showed maturity beyond her experience, anchoring the innings while punishing loose deliveries.
Rain interrupted play twice, but the pair stayed focused. Their understanding allowed smooth role switches, with Mandhana attacking and Rawal rotating the strike effectively.
This win came after India suffered three straight losses to South Africa, Australia, and England, putting their campaign in jeopardy. The victory not only revived their momentum but also eliminated New Zealand from semifinal contention.
Rain Drama and Revised Target Test New Zealand
Bad weather added tension to the crucial clash at Dr. DY Patil Stadium. After India posted their imposing total, rain delayed New Zealand’s chase, leading to a revised target of 325 in 44 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
New Zealand started strongly but crumbled under pressure from India’s bowlers. Sophie Devine fought hard with a half-century, but regular wickets kept them at 271 for eight, falling short by 53 runs.
India’s spinners played a key role in the middle overs, restricting scoring and forcing errors. This match highlighted how weather can swing fortunes in limited-overs cricket, much like the rain-affected games in the 2022 World Cup that impacted several teams.
Experts note that India’s ability to adapt to the revised conditions showed their growing maturity as a unit. The win boosts their confidence ahead of the semifinals, set for Guwahati and Navi Mumbai.
India’s Road to Recovery After Early Stumbles
India entered the tournament as favorites after strong showings in bilateral series, including a dominant performance against Australia earlier this year. However, losses to top teams exposed batting vulnerabilities and fielding lapses.
The turnaround began with focused training sessions, emphasizing partnerships and pressure handling. Mandhana credited the team’s resilience, saying it was a relief to qualify after tough games.
Looking at the bigger picture, this World Cup has seen upsets, with underdogs like Sri Lanka challenging giants. India’s qualification joins them with Australia, South Africa, and England in the final four.
- Key factors in India’s recovery: Improved opening stands, better spin bowling, and tactical field placements.
- Challenges ahead: Facing strong bowling attacks in semis, where Australia remains unbeaten.
Standout Performances and Tournament Highlights
Mandhana’s century was her sixth in ODIs this year, underlining her status as one of the world’s best batters. Rawal’s 122 marked her as a rising star, with selectors praising her composure.
Other notable contributions included Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 76, adding late impetus. On the bowling front, Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh took crucial wickets.
The tournament has broken attendance records, with over 50,000 fans at key matches, boosting women’s cricket in India. Compared to the 2022 edition, scoring rates are up by 10 percent, thanks to better pitches and aggressive batting.
| Player | Runs Scored | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 109 | Fifth century of 2025 |
| Pratika Rawal | 122 | Maiden World Cup ton |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 76* | Quickfire half-century |
| Sophie Devine (NZ) | 58 | Top scorer for New Zealand |
What Lies Ahead for India in Semifinals
With one group match left for all teams, semifinal matchups will be confirmed soon. India could face Australia or South Africa, both formidable opponents.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will aim to build on this momentum, focusing on all-round consistency. Fans are optimistic, drawing parallels to India’s run to the final in 2017.
This victory reminds us of cricket’s unpredictability, where form can change overnight. As the tournament heads to its climax, India’s blend of youth and experience could be the edge they need.
Share your thoughts on India’s chances in the comments below, and spread the word if this recap got you excited for the semis.
