After suffering three consecutive defeats, the Indian women’s cricket team bounced back in style, defeating New Zealand by 57 runs (DLS method) in a rain-hit encounter yesterday — a victory that secured their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s World Cup.
Batting first, India posted their highest-ever total in a World Cup match, racking up 340 for 3 in 49 overs after the game was shortened by rain.
Smriti Mandhana led the charge with her 14th ODI century, scoring a fluent 109, while Pratika Raval powered to her second ODI ton, blasting 122 runs to anchor India’s innings.
Chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs, New Zealand managed 271 for 8. Brooke Halliday fought valiantly with 81 runs, and Isabella Gaze remained unbeaten on 65, but India’s bowlers held firm.
For India, Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud picked up two wickets each, sealing a commanding win.
With this emphatic victory, India march confidently into the semi-finals, reigniting their campaign in dominant fashion.
