India’s women’s cricket team delivered a spectacular performance on Thursday, clinching a decisive 53-run victory over New Zealand by the DLS method. This crucial win not only ended their three-match losing streak but also propelled them into the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup.
The foundation of India’s triumph was laid by an extraordinary opening partnership. Smriti Mandhana, scoring 109, and Pratika Rawal, with a magnificent 122, shared a monumental 212-run stand. This propelled India to a formidable total of 340/3 in 49 overs, the team’s highest score of the tournament. The innings received a late burst of energy from Jemimah Rodrigues, whose unbeaten 76 showcased her explosive batting.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur lauded her team’s spirit and resilience. “It was not easy,” she admitted, acknowledging the pressure after recent setbacks. “Credit goes to the entire team for the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was; the entire team was charged up and happy with how we played.”
Harmanpreet highlighted the pivotal role of the opening batters: “We were getting started, but unfortunately, we were unable to make it big. Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for taking responsibility. We got a perfect start. When they both scored 200 runs on the board, that is when we decided if we could put Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues) (in at 3). The way she batted, that is what the entire world was expecting from her.”
Addressing the home crowd advantage, Kaur explained the team’s mindset: “Whenever you are playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we discuss that this is our home and crowd is always cheering for us. This is a moment to enjoy rather than just putting pressure [on ourselves]. Really happy with the way we executed. It was not easy (after three defeats). But everyone in the team stood up. The way we lifted each other shows how positive we were. We knew the last three games did not go well, but we knew we were going to change it. Today was the right time, and I’m really happy (we could do it).”
While celebrating the batting prowess, Harmanpreet stressed the need for improvement in bowling. “We have been doing really well while batting, but bowling is something that I personally feel we have to put ourselves strong. As a bowling unit as well, hopefully, we can come together and show a better way,” she stated.
Player of the Match, Smriti Mandhana, expressed immense relief following her century and the team’s qualification. “For sure, big relief in terms of qualifying. The last three games were really tough. We thought we played some good cricket but could not win. Really relieved. Pratika deserved this as much as I do.” Mandhana also shared her batting preference: “I like pace more than spin for sure, like to dominate pace. It’s an important game, a few nerves in the first few overs, trying to give a good start. Saw the scoreboard (we were five off three overs), and I was like, we cannot do that. Just back yourself (after that) and play the ball.”
In their chase of a revised target of 325, New Zealand faced immediate challenges. Openers Suzie Bates (1) and captain Sophie Devine (6) fell cheaply, leaving their side struggling at 59/3 after 11.3 overs. Despite efforts from Amelia Kerr (45) and Brooke Halliday (81), who built a 56-run partnership, and Isabella Gaze’s unbeaten 65, the target proved too steep. New Zealand eventually managed 271/8 in their allotted 44 overs.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine conveyed her team’s disappointment. “We are incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family. Bloody frustrating tournament – would have loved more opportunities to play and with the bat. Credit to them. Target was just too big for us.” She praised her middle-order batters: “Loved the way they (Isabella Gaze and Brooke Halliday) fought and scrapped for us.” Devine also acknowledged India’s strength: “It is difficult when you don’t take wickets; opposition teams can go hard and be expansive. Our fielding was outstanding (despite dropping a couple of catches). When they have a partnership like that, it’s hard to stay in it, but the girls did well. Today was not our day.”
India’s bowling attack was effective, with Renuka Singh taking 2/25 and Kranti Goud claiming 2/48 as the most successful bowlers. Renuka Singh also marked a significant achievement, completing 100 international wickets across all formats. For New Zealand, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Rosemary Mair each took a solitary wicket but could not stem the flow of runs or prevent India from posting a formidable total.