India Back on Track After Three Consecutive Losses
India restored the winning touch after three consecutive losses in the Women's ODI World Cup with a comfortable 53-run victory against New Zealand. This secured India's entry into the semi-finals. Playing in a new target of 325 runs from 44 overs as per the Duckworth-Lewis system, New Zealand could score only 271 runs from 8 wickets.
Dominant Batting Display by Openers
India's top order played well. Openers Smriti Mandhana (109 runs off 95 balls) and Pratik Rawal (122 runs off 134 balls) scored centuries each, and India seemed in good shape. Their 212-run partnership laid the foundation for the day. Later, Jemimah Rodrigues (76 not out off 55 balls) picked up pace and guided India to 340 for 3 in 49 overs, India's record highest score in a Women's ODI World Cup game.
Key Bowling Contributions
India was guided by the bowling effort of Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Goud (2/48), and the supporting effort from Pratik Rawal (1/19). Brooke Halliday (81 from 84 balls) and Isabella Gage (65 not out from 51 balls) tried their best for New Zealand but could not prevent defeat. Amelia Kerr (45) also played her part, but the wholesale top-order destruction rendered the chase impossible.
New Zealand's Chase Struggle
New Zealand's show was not great with Suzie Bates (1) getting out early in the second over. Good partnership contributions came from Georgia Plimmer (30) and Amelia Kerr, but soon wickets of Plimmer and Sophie Devine (6) put them under pressure. Halliday's partnership contributions with Amelia and Isabella brought the deficit down but not to the extent that they threatened India's score.
How the Match Went Along
New Zealand lost the toss and opted for bowling. Indian openers used this tactic with strategic force. Smriti scored her half-century in 49 balls and Pratik in 75 balls. India scored 100 in the 18th over and 200 in the 33rd. Smriti scored her century in 88 balls when Hannah Rowe caught her off Suzie Bates. Pratik kept going with Jemimah and completed a century of her own before getting dismissed. Jemimah's late surge guaranteed a record score even when Harmanpreet Kaur's (10) short stay came to an end.
Semi-Final Scenario
India have booked their place in the semi-finals irrespective of other matches, having won this game. They will play Bangladesh in their last group match, while New Zealand play England. Even if England are lost to by India and New Zealand beat England, both teams will be evenly placed on points. But India will make it through on the basis of more wins since New Zealand's two canceled matches only gave them two additional points. India will be fourth and play the number one team in the semi-final.
Key Match Statistics
- 7 – Century partnerships between Smriti Mandhana and Pratik Rawal, equaling Mithali Raj and Poonam Raut for India’s record.
- 14 – Smriti’s ODI centuries, now second only to Meg Lanning (15).
- 212 – Partnership between Smriti and Pratik, the highest for any wicket in this World Cup.
- 331 – Smriti’s total runs in the tournament, making her the top scorer.
- 308 – Pratik’s total runs, placing her second.
- 340 – India's highest team score in Women's World Cup cricket.
Score Summary
India Innings:
Pratik Rawal 122 (134), Smriti Mandhana 109 (95), Jemimah Rodrigues 76* (55), Harmanpreet Kaur 10 (15)
Extras: 19
Total: 340/3 (49 overs)
Fall of wickets: 1–212, 2–288, 3–336
New Zealand Bowling:
Rosemary Mair 1/52, Amelia Kerr 1/69, Suzie Bates 1/40
New Zealand Innings:
Brooke Halliday 81 (84), Isabella Gage 65* (51), Amelia Kerr 45 (53)
Extras: 6
Total: 271/8 (44 overs, DLS target 325)
Fall of wickets: 1–1, 2–51, 3–59, 4–115, 5–154
India Bowling:
Renuka Singh 2/25, Kranti Goud 2/48, Pratik Rawal 1/19
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