India has clinched a coveted spot in the Women’s ODI World Cup semifinals with a commanding 53-run victory over New Zealand, decided by the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter. The dominant performance saw India post a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs, powered by exceptional centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, alongside a blistering 76 not out from Jemimah Rodrigues. New Zealand’s chase, revised to 325 in 44 overs, ultimately fell short despite valiant half-centuries from Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze, concluding their tournament hopes.
Mandhana set the tone with a swift 109 off 95 balls, while Rawal anchored the innings with a patient 122 from 134 deliveries. Rodrigues provided the late surge with an unbeaten 76 off just 55 balls, ensuring India’s massive total. The innings faced two rain delays, leading to a reduction in overs for both sides.
New Zealand’s chase struggled from the outset, losing opener Suzie Bates early. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr offered some resistance, but crucial wickets fell at regular intervals. Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud were instrumental with the ball, picking up two wickets each. Halliday’s determined 81 and Gaze’s unbeaten 65 were not enough to overcome the required run rate and India’s strong bowling attack. The DLS calculation confirmed India’s well-deserved win, propelling them into the next stage of the World Cup.
