India storm into semifinals as Mandhana, Rawal script record stand

On a humid evening at the DY Patil Stadium, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal produced batting masterclasses that reignited India’s Women’s World Cup campaign in grand fashion. Their dazzling centuries powered India to a commanding 53-run victory over New Zealand, sealing the team’s spot in the semifinals and silencing doubts after three successive defeats.

The hosts, who had appeared under pressure in recent outings, rediscovered their rhythm when it mattered most. Mandhana’s fluent 105 and Rawal’s determined 122 set the tone for India’s resurgence, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a sparkling unbeaten 76 to push the total to an imposing 340 for three in a rain-curtailed 49-over contest.

When showers forced a delay, the match was reduced to 49 overs per side, and New Zealand were set a revised DLS target of 325 in 44 overs. But the White Ferns, struggling to find momentum, were restricted to 271 for eight despite Brooke Halliday’s valiant 81.

Mandhana and Rawal headline India’s revival

India’s opening pair began with caution before shifting gears, punishing anything loose. Mandhana, known for her elegant stroke play, struck 10 fours and four sixes in a commanding 95-ball innings, her third World Cup century and 14th in ODIs. Rawal, the rising right-hander, complemented her perfectly with a composed 134-ball 122, blending patience with precision.

Together, they stitched a record-breaking 212-run stand for the first wicket India’s highest partnership in Women’s World Cup history and the best for any wicket in the ongoing edition. The pair’s effortless control turned New Zealand’s disciplined start into desperation, forcing the bowlers off their lengths and lines.

Mandhana’s dominance was evident as she reached her fifty in the 18th over and celebrated her ton with a glorious six over cover off Eden Carson. Rawal, steady yet assertive, brought up her maiden World Cup hundred with a well-timed drive through mid-off, confirming India’s control of the contest.

Rodrigues provides finishing flourish

When Mandhana finally fell for 109 in the 34th over, India had already laid the platform for a massive score. Rodrigues, returning to the XI after being dropped in the previous match, ensured the tempo never dipped. She hammered 11 fours in her 55-ball 76, registering the fastest fifty of this World Cup in just 39 balls. Her stroke-filled cameo, alongside Rawal’s consistency, helped India post the tournament’s highest total so far.

New Zealand falter despite Halliday’s fight

Chasing 325, New Zealand’s reply was dented early when Suzie Bates (1) mistimed a shot to cover off Kranti Goud. Georgia Plimmer (30) and Amelia Kerr (45) tried to steady the innings, but Renuka Singh’s incisive second spell derailed the chase. She dismissed Plimmer with an inside edge and then uprooted Sophie Devine’s stumps with a trademark in-swinger, reducing New Zealand to 59 for three.

Halliday fought bravely, stringing together small partnerships with Kerr, Maddy Green (18) and Isabella Gaze (65*), but the mounting required rate proved too steep. India’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured the visitors never truly threatened.

As the final wicket fell, cheers erupted across the stadium, a celebration not just of victory but of redemption. After a shaky group stage, India had delivered their most complete performance of the tournament. With Mandhana rediscovering her vintage form and Rawal marking her arrival on the world stage, the team now marches into the semifinals with renewed belief and the promise of something special.

Brief scores:

India: 340/3 in 49 overs (Smriti Mandhana 109, Pratika Rawal 122, Jemimah Rodrigues 76).

New Zealand: 271/8 in 44 overs (Brooke Halliday 81, Isabella Gaze 65 not out; Renuka Singh Thakur 2/25).