India Seal Semifinal Spot with Commanding Win over New Zealand in Rain-Affected Clash

 



India became the fourth team to qualify for the ICC Women’s One-Day World Cup semifinals after defeating New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS method) in a rain-interrupted match on Thursday. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side posted a record-breaking total of 340/3 in 49 overs, their highest-ever score in a Women’s ODI World Cup, before restricting the White Ferns to 271/8 in 44 overs.

With this victory, India moved to six points from six matches, while New Zealand remained on four. Even if India lose and New Zealand win their final league fixtures, both teams will end with six points—but India, with three wins compared to New Zealand’s possible two, have already confirmed a top-four finish. England, with nine points, have secured third place, meaning India will finish fourth regardless of their last result. The semifinals are scheduled for October 29 and 30, though India’s opponent is yet to be determined.

Mandhana and Pratika Shine with Centuries

Needing a win to secure qualification, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal rose to the occasion with commanding centuries. Opting to bat first after losing the toss in Mumbai, India’s openers gave a steady start before accelerating. Mandhana led the charge with an attacking 109 off 95 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes. Rawal played the anchor early on before shifting gears, scoring a fluent 122 off 134 deliveries with 13 boundaries and two sixes.

Their partnership of 212 runs set the tone for India’s dominance. After Mandhana’s dismissal, Rawal continued the assault while Jemimah Rodrigues, recalled to the XI, kept up the scoring momentum with a blistering unbeaten 76 off 55 balls (11 fours). Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (10) was the only batter to miss out. Richa Ghosh added a quick 4* in the final delivery she faced.

New Zealand’s bowlers struggled throughout, failing to contain India’s aggressive batting. Amelia Kerr (1/69), Suzie Bates (1/40), and Rosemary Mair (1/52) took a wicket each but at a heavy cost.

Rain Adjusts Target; India Maintain Grip

After India’s innings, rain again interrupted play, reducing the match to 44 overs per side. New Zealand’s revised target was 325, but the chase never took off. Suzie Bates fell early to Renuka Singh Thakur (2/25), putting the White Ferns under pressure. Despite brief resistance from Georgia Plimmer (30) and Amelia Kerr (45), wickets fell at regular intervals.

Captain Sophie Devine (6) departed cheaply, and though Brooke Halliday (81 off 84) and Isabella Gaze (65* off 51) fought hard, the required run rate kept climbing. India’s disciplined bowling, led by Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaur (2/48), ensured New Zealand never came close. Additional wickets came from Pratika Rawal (1/19), Deepti Sharma (1/57), Shree Charni (1/58), and Sneha Rana (1/60).

In the end, India’s all-round performance—anchored by stellar batting from Mandhana and Rawal and tight bowling under pressure—secured their spot in the semifinals, keeping alive hopes of lifting the World Cup once again.


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