When Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India Women walked onto the field at DY Patil Stadium on October 23, 2025, the atmosphere crackled with the kind of tension you only see in a knockout‑style match. The stakes? A spot in the semi‑finals of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025. The result? A 53‑run victory that sent the Indian side packing for Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.
Match Overview
New Zealand won the toss, and captain Sophie Devine chose to field first. That decision backfired early. Opening bat Smriti Mandhana smashed a patient 112‑run innings, anchoring a partnership that saw the scoreboard climb past the 200‑run mark. Joining her at the crease was middle‑order dynamo Pratika Rawal, who rattled off a quick‑fire 101‑run blitz. The duo’s century stands marked the highest partnership India Women have ever posted against New Zealand in a World Cup, eclipsing the previous 34‑run margin set back in 2017.
Key Performances
Beyond the twin centuries, a few other figures stood out:
- Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a brisk 68 off 57 balls, steering the chase‑free total with calculated aggression.
- Bowling captain Sophie Devine took two wickets but couldn’t stem the flow of runs.
- India’s death‑over specialist Amol Muzumdar (the team’s head coach, not a player—typo corrected) had his strategic gamble pay off by opting for an extra bowler instead of recalling Jemimah Rodrigues after the Indore match.
When the final wicket fell at 340/4 in the 49th over, the scoreboard read: India Women 340 – New Zealand 287. The margin of 53 runs wasn’t just enough; it was emphatic.
Strategic Decisions and Coaching Insight
Coach Amol Muzumdar had been under fire after sitting out Rodrigues in the previous Indore game on October 18. In a post‑match press conference he said, “It was a tough call. The conditions at Indore demanded a sixth bowling option, and we had to sacrifice a batter. Jemimah took it sportingly—she’s a superb role model for the squad. Here in Navi Mumbai the pitch is different, so the combination will change.” His gamble paid off, and the crowd could hear the relieved sighs of fans who’d watched India stumble through three straight defeats.
Tournament Implications
With the win, India Women moved to six points from six matches, securing the second spot in Group A behind Australia. New Zealand, despite two abandoned games, finished with five points and were eliminated. A quick glance at the table:
- Australia – 8 points
- India – 6 points (qualified)
- England – 4 points
- New Zealand – 5 points (out)
- South Africa – 3 points
- West Indies – 2 points
Looking Ahead
India’s next challenge is the semi‑final against the Group A leaders, Australia Women, scheduled for November 1 at Brabourne Stadium. Fans are already buzzing about whether Rodrigues will be recalled for the big game. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) plans to evaluate the weather‑disruption policies after New Zealand’s two rain‑affected matches highlighted the tournament’s vulnerability to the monsoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India’s win affect its chances in the semi‑final?
The victory secured a six‑point finish, giving India a clear slot against Australia. Momentum from scoring 340 runs will boost confidence, but the semi‑final will demand disciplined bowling, especially against Australia’s top order.
Why was Jemimah Rodrigues left out of the Indore match?
Coach Muzumdar explained that the slower, turning pitch at Indore required a extra bowler to exploit seam movement. Rodrigues, primarily a top‑order batter, was the sacrifice to balance the side’s bowling options.
What were the standout statistics from the match?
India posted 340/4, featuring two centuries (112 by Mandhana, 101 by Rawal). New Zealand managed 287 all out. The partnership between Mandhana and Rawal was 185 runs, the highest India‑New Zealand World Cup partnership ever.
How many teams were eliminated due to rain‑affected games?
New Zealand had two of its six group matches washed out, accounting for 33.3% of its fixtures. India faced only one rain‑abandoned game (16.7%). These disruptions altered the points race, ultimately costing New Zealand a semi‑final spot.
When and where is the semi‑final scheduled?
The semi‑final is set for November 1, 2025, at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The venue’s coastal conditions should favor spinners, adding another tactical layer for both sides.
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