Women's ODI World Cup: India Defeated New Zealand - Connect2ConnectOnline October 24, 2025

India clinched the last spot in the World Cup semi-finals, knocking out New Zealand and Sri Lanka with a 53 runs win (DLS) against the White Ferns in Navi Mumbai.

The co-hosts were on the brink of missing the last four in the 50 over tournament for the third time in four editions, heading into their second to last group match after suffering three straight losses.

On the other hand, New Zealand, tied with India at four points, had their campaign affected by the weather, with their last two matches called off due to rain after winning just one of their first three.

More rain briefly threatened to disrupt both teams, leading to a 90-minute delay at the end of India’s innings, which cut the game down to 49 overs per side.

A second delay then adjusted New Zealand’s target to 325 from 44 overs.

Match Summary

Mandhana and Rawal faced little challenges from New Zealand’s bowlers, smoothly accumulating 212 for the first wicket.

Thanks to centuries from Pratika Rawal – whose 122 (134) is the second-highest score of the tournament – and Smriti Mandhana (109 off 95).

Jemimah Rodrigues added a rapid 76 off 55 balls as India set the highest score of the tournament(340-3).

In response, New Zealand lost their seasoned players Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine for low scores, falling to 59-3.

Nonetheless, Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze both hit half-centuries from the middle order, with Gaze impressively scoring hers off just 39 balls, as the White Ferns fought hard until the end. New Zealand could only manage 271-8.

This was a must-win situation for both sides, but the majority of the pressure rested on India.

Aiming for their first Women’s World Cup title, they entered this tournament, hosted on their home ground, as the favorites alongside Australia and England.

Comfortable wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan set them up perfectly, but then they stumbled, facing back-to-back losses to South Africa, Australia, and England – each time left wondering what could have been.

However, they bounced back with a dominant batting performance against New Zealand.

At the top, Mandhana scored over 50 for the third straight innings, while Rawal notched a century to complement her half-century against Australia.

Both showed great composure as they navigated the early swing from Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr during the powerplay, eventually forming a smooth partnership against a lackluster New Zealand bowling attack.

Rodrigues took full advantage of her promotion in the batting order, scoring freely all around the field and becoming the seventh Indian player to reach 50 in the tournament.

Together, India’s batters smashed 42 boundaries and maintained a scoring rate of just under seven runs per over.

Unfortunately, that same intensity was missing during New Zealand’s innings.

They dropped multiple catches, allowed boundaries too easily, and never looked like they would bowl New Zealand out, even after taking three of their top four wickets within the first 12 overs.

India easily secured the crucial two points to join Australia, South Africa, and England in the knockout rounds.

Even though New Zealand and Sri Lanka could catch up to them with six points if they win their last group matches.

India loses to Bangladesh, neither team can equal India’s three victories, which is the primary factor for distinguishing teams.