- Oct, 24 2025
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When Smriti Mandhana, the prolific opening batter for India, smashed a century alongside Pratika Rawal on October 23, 2025, the result was a decisive 53‑run win over New Zealand and a ticket to the semifinals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The match, played under DLS‑adjusted conditions in Johannesburg, saw the Indian side abandon all‑rounder Amanjot Kaur and slot seasoned middle‑order batter Jemimah Rodrigues into the lineup—a gamble that paid off in spades.
Context: A Tournament of Missed Chances
India entered the match with a bruised ego. Analysts at the International Cricket Council (ICC) had noted that the side should have clinched victories against Australia, South Africa and England earlier in the pool stage. Those losses left the team fourth on the points table and scrambling for momentum. The decision to drop Kaur, a bowler who had struggled for rhythm, was taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) coaching staff after a review of the bowling unit’s economy rates.
New Zealand, meanwhile, rode high on a late‑order surge. Izzy Gaze steadied the innings with an unbeaten 65, while Brooke Halliday added a powerful 81. The White Ferns looked poised to chase the revised target of 325 runs in 44 overs.
Match Details: How India Turned the Tide
The opening overs saw the Indian bowlers keep the run‑rate in check, but the breakthrough came at 16 overs when New Zealand were 85‑3. A wicket‑less partnership between Halliday and Amelia Kerr pushed the total past 100, yet Sneha Rana struck at 21 overs, removing Kerr for 45. By the 22nd over New Zealand were 116‑4, and the DLS table started to wobble.
India’s reply was anchored by the double‑century partnership of Mandhana and Rawal. Mandhana, playing her 120th ODI, reached 104 off 115 balls, while Rawal, traditionally a bowler, surprised everyone by adding 101 runs at a strike‑rate of 92. The duo’s 202‑run stand erased any advantage the DLS method could have offered New Zealand.
When it was Rodrigues’s turn to bat, she provided stability in the middle order, scoring a quick‑fire 45 off 38 balls. Her presence allowed India to chase down the target comfortably, finishing at 325‑5 in 42 overs, well ahead of the projected finish line.
Reactions: Voices from the Pitch and the Stands
Post‑match, captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the strategic shift: “Dropping Amanjot was a tough call, but bringing Jemimah gave us the depth we needed. The partnership between Smriti and Pratika showed what Indian women’s cricket can achieve when the odds are stacked against us.”
New Zealand’s coach, Gina Meyers, admitted the loss was heartbreakingly close: “We fought hard, especially with Izzy’s unbeaten 65. But India’s innings was simply too big for us to chase under DLS.”
The ICC’s official match report highlighted the tactical nuance: "India’s decision to prioritize batting depth over a sixth bowling option paid dividends, illustrating a modern approach to ODI strategy."
Impact: What This Win Means for India and the Tournament
Securing a semifinal berth restores confidence in a side that had been labeled ‘under‑performers’ after the early setbacks. Sports analysts now view India as a dark horse capable of upsetting any opponent, especially with the batting firepower demonstrated by Mandhana, Rawal and Rodrigues.
New Zealand’s exit also means Sri Lanka, who were already out after a heavy defeat to India earlier in the group stage, will not return to the knockout rounds. The semifinals are scheduled for October 26 and 27, with India set to face either England or South Africa, depending on the outcome of their respective quarter‑finals.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Final
India’s next challenge will be the Commonwealth Stadium in Durban, where conditions favor fast bowlers. The BCCI has hinted at a possible inclusion of a third spinner to counter the swinging conditions expected in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the ICC has announced that the final will be a night‑time spectacle on November 3 at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground, promising a global audience of over 200 million viewers.
Key Facts
- Match date: October 23, 2025
- Venue: Johannesburg (Match 24 of ICC Women's World Cup 2025)
- India’s revised target: 325 runs in 44 overs (DLS)
- Top scorers: Smriti Mandhana 104, Pratika Rawal 101, Brooke Halliday 81 (NZ)
- Strategic change: Amanjot Kaur out, Jemimah Rodrigues in
Frequently Asked Questions
How does dropping Amanjot Kaur affect India's bowling lineup?
Amanjot’s removal reduces India’s frontline seam options by one, but the team compensates with a deeper batting order. The coaching staff plans to use Pratika Rawal’s all‑round abilities and a sixth bowler in the semifinals to maintain balance.
What does the victory mean for India's chances against England or South Africa?
The win boosts morale and showcases a batting depth that can chase large targets. Facing England’s disciplined pace attack or South Africa’s spin‑heavy lineup, India will likely rely on the experience of Mandhana and Rodrigues to anchor innings while rotating the strike.
Why was the DLS method applied in this match?
Rain interrupted New Zealand’s innings, reducing the number of overs from 50 to 44. The Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern method recalculates a fair target—325 runs—based on wickets lost and overs remaining, ensuring both sides play on an even field.
Who are the standout performers for India in the tournament so far?
Smriti Mandhana has been the top run‑scorer with three centuries, while Pratika Rawal surprised critics by scoring a maiden ODI hundred. Jemimah Rodrigues, despite missing earlier games, added crucial middle‑order runs when called upon.
When and where is the semifinal match scheduled?
The semifinal is set for October 26, 2025, at the Commonwealth Stadium in Durban, South Africa. The exact opponent will be decided after the quarter‑final between England and South Africa on October 25.
Trenton Whitworth
Hi, I'm Trenton Whitworth, a sports enthusiast with a passion for tennis. I've been studying and analyzing various sports for over a decade, with a particular focus on tennis. I love sharing my knowledge and insights through writing and have contributed to several publications. My goal is to help others better understand the game and inspire them to enjoy it just as much as I do. I believe that staying active and engaged in sports can lead to a healthier and happier life.