Mandhana-Pratika's Record Partnership Powers India into World Cup Semi-Finals

Team India sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after a commanding 53-run victory (Duckworth-Lewis method) over New Zealand on Thursday, October 23, at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Under immense pressure to win, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side delivered a complete performance to break their losing streak and clinch their third win of the tournament. With this, India became the fourth and final team to qualify for the semi-finals, joining Australia, South Africa, and England. This marks India’s first semi-final appearance since the 2017 World Cup.

The foundation of India’s win was built on a historic 212-run stand between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Raval. This was the duo’s second 100-plus partnership in the tournament. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (109 runs off 95 balls) — who had narrowly missed centuries in her last two games — finally converted her start into a big one, registering her first ton of this World Cup and third overall. Pratika Raval followed with a career-defining 122 runs off 134 balls, her maiden World Cup century. Jemimah Rodrigues added late fireworks, smashing 76 not out from 55 balls, helping India post a massive 340 in 49 overs.

Rain interrupted play twice, forcing the match to be shortened to 49 overs for India and a revised 44-over chase for New Zealand with a target of 325. India’s bowlers struck early, as Kranti Goud dismissed Suzie Bates in the second over. Renuka Singh then dealt two major blows by removing Georgia Plimer and skipper Sophie Devine in quick succession.

Although Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, and Isabella Gage tried to rebuild, the Kiwi side couldn’t keep up with the required rate and managed only 271 for 8 in 44 overs. Renuka and Kranti claimed two wickets each, while Pratika, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, and Sri Charani chipped in with one apiece.