Navi Mumbai, Oct 23 (UNI) Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal turned the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy into their personal launchpad as India Women blasted a commanding 340 for 3 in 49 overs against New Zealand Women in a crucial must-win clash of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 today.
With Australia, South Africa, and England already through to the semifinals, India must secure victory to confirm their spot in the knockout stage, making this high-octane encounter a virtual quarterfinal for the hosts.
In the rain-hit match, Mandhana was a whirlwind, smashing 109 off 95 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes, while Pratika played a masterclass of controlled power, scoring 122 off 134 deliveries, peppered with 13 fours and 2 sixes.
Jemimah Rodrigues was the icing on the cake, unbeaten on 76 off 55 balls, hitting boundaries at will and bringing up the fastest fifty for India in the tournament.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added a brief cameo of 10 before Eden Carson snapped her off Rosemary Mair, and young Richa Ghosh finished with style, driving the last ball for a boundary.
The innings was a spectacle of timing, flair, and audacious strokeplay.
Mandhana and Pratika shared a colossal 212-run stand, each shot meticulously placed yet explosive, setting the stage for Jemimah to join the party with a 76-run flourish. Boundaries rained from all directions, and even New Zealand’s best efforts, including Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, and Rosemary, could not break the momentum. Extras added 19, barely scratching the surface of India’s dominance.
From the moment Mandhana opened up, sending the ball flying over mid-on and down the off-side, to Pratika’s calm brilliance punctuated by big hits and her maiden World Cup hundred, India looked untouchable.
With this masterclass, the hosts have done more than post a daunting total, they have sent a clear message: this India batting lineup is a powerhouse, and any team attempting to chase the revised target in 44 overs will face an uphill battle.
India now sits pretty, all eyes on New Zealand as they attempt the impossible in this high-voltage ICC Women’s World Cup encounter.
