India has advanced to the Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinals after a convincing 53-run victory over New Zealand, decided by the DLS method. The match, shortened due to rain, saw India post a daunting 340/3, fueled by outstanding centuries from Smriti Mandhana (109) and Pratika Rawal (122), and a rapid 76 not out from Jemimah Rodrigues.
In response, New Zealand’s chase fell short, reaching 271/8 in their 44 overs (revised target 325). Brooke Halliday’s resilient 81 kept their hopes alive for a considerable period, supported by Isabella Gaze’s unbeaten 65. However, India’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud were instrumental with the ball, each taking two crucial wickets. Despite a few promising partnerships, New Zealand couldn’t build the necessary momentum to overhaul the challenging total.
The interruptions for rain altered the match dynamics, setting a revised DLS target for the White Ferns. India’s batting depth was on full display, with Mandhana and Rawal laying a superb foundation. Rodrigues’s aggressive hitting in the death overs ensured India set an unassailable score. New Zealand’s batting order faltered under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals, which ultimately sealed their fate in the tournament and confirmed India’s smooth passage into the semifinals.
