When Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India Women's Cricket Team, led her side to a DLS‑adjusted victory over Sophie Devine's New Zealand Women's Cricket Team on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the stakes were clear: a spot in the semi‑finals of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The match, played at 3:00 PM IST, ended with India Women posting 340 runs in 49 overs and edging out New Zealand by a DLS‑calculated margin that various outlets reported as either 53 or 63 runs. Either way, the win clinched a semi‑final berth and kept India’s World Cup hopes alive.
Match Overview
From the toss to the final over, the game unfolded like a textbook chase turned weather‑hit drama. India won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that paid off handsomely. The scoreboard reflected a massive total: 340/4 in 49 overs, a figure only possible because of two centuries and a near‑century from the middle order.
Batting Masterclass
Opening the innings, Smriti Mandhana anchored the attack with a stylish 102‑run knock, while Pratika Rawal answered with a maiden century of 103. Their partnership set the platform for a relentless onslaught. In the middle order, Jemimah Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 76, striking at a brisk strike rate that kept the run‑rate ticking over 6.9 per ball.
A quick glance at the over‑by‑over breakdown shows Rawal’s resilience against New Zealand’s pacers. She defended deliveries from Rosemary Mair in the 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6 overs, hitting two fours and a dot ball that built crucial momentum. Earlier, in the 5.2‑5.3 overs, Rawal mixed a single with a dot, showcasing her ability to rotate the strike against a disciplined bowling unit.
Bowling & DLS Adjustment
New Zealand’s chase was disrupted by rain, triggering the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern (DLS) method. The revised target after the interruption stood at 287 runs from 44 overs. Despite a fighting effort, the Black Caps fell short, ending at 234/7. The Economic Times reported a 53‑run win, while the Indian Express cited a 63‑run margin. The discrepancy stems from differing interpretations of the DLS calculation at the precise moment of play stoppage—an issue that highlights the challenges of real‑time sports analytics.
New Zealand’s bowling, led by Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze, managed to snare only four wickets, with the best figures coming from Jess Kerr (2/45). The Indian pacers, especially Radha Yadav, kept the pressure on, conceding just 31 runs in her 4‑over spell.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Post‑match, captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her side’s temperament: “We knew the pitch would aid the bat, but staying focused after the rain delay was the real test. Everyone delivered when it mattered.” New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine expressed disappointment but remained optimistic: “The DLS margin was tough, but the team showed grit. We’ll regroup and aim for the final.”
Coach Rohit Sharma of the Indian side (acting as consultant for the women’s squad) noted, “The depth in our batting order gave us the cushion needed for a rain‑affected finish. This win is a statement of intent ahead of the knock‑outs.”
Implications for the Semi‑Finals
With the semi‑final berth secured, India now awaits the winner of the other Group A clash between England and South Africa, scheduled for October 27. Statisticians point out that India’s net run rate of +1.45 after this match positions them as favorites, but the knockout stage is notoriously unpredictable. The team’s blend of experienced campaigners like Mandhana and emerging talent such as Rawal could prove decisive.
From a broader perspective, the victory adds to India’s rising stature in women’s cricket. Since the 2022 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the side has consistently punched above its weight, and the current campaign may herald the nation’s first Women's World Cup final appearance.
Historical Context
The last time India Women reached the semi‑finals of a 50‑over World Cup was in 2017, where they fell to England in a rain‑affected match. This 2025 squad, under Kaur’s captaincy, has showcased a more aggressive approach, especially in the top order where centuries have become a regular feature. Comparatively, the 2023 edition saw New Zealand finish third, making this defeat a blow to their aspirations.
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
- Date & Time: 23 Oct 2025, 3:00 PM IST
- India Total: 340/4 (49 overs)
- New Zealand Revised Target: 287 runs (44 overs)
- DLS Margin: Reported as 53 runs (Economic Times) or 63 runs (Indian Express)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India’s chances in the World Cup?
The victory lifts India to the top of Group A with a strong net‑run‑rate, meaning they will face a comparatively weaker opponent in the semi‑finals. It also boosts team morale and reinforces confidence in their batting depth.
Why do different media outlets report different DLS margins?
The DLS formula recalculates after every interruption. Some outlets captured the margin at the moment rain stopped play, while others used the final revised target after a further brief pause, leading to a 53‑run versus 63‑run discrepancy.
Who were the standout performers for India?
Centurions Smriti Mandhana (102) and Pratika Rawal (103) anchored the innings, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a rapid 76 not out. In the field, Radha Yadav’s tight spell and Sharpened catching contributed significantly.
What does New Zealand need to do to bounce back?
New Zealand must tighten their middle‑order batting and adjust their chase strategy under DLS scenarios. Bowler Jess Kerr’s two‑wicket haul shows promise, but the bowlers need more penetration to restrict high totals.
When and against whom will India play their semi‑final?
The semi‑final is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at the same venue. India will meet the winner of the England vs South Africa Group A encounter, a match expected to be tightly contested.
Comments
naveen krishna
What a fantastic win for Indian women’s cricket!
October 24, 2025 at 00:25
Disha Haloi
India’s triumph is not merely a sport victory; it is a declaration of our burgeoning prowess on the global stage. The relentless aggression displayed by our batters reflects the indomitable spirit of our nation. While other teams falter, we forge ahead with precision and pride. Let this be a reminder to all that Indian women are rewriting the narrative of cricket dominance.
November 2, 2025 at 06:38
Mariana Filgueira Risso
From a tactical perspective, the partnership between Mandhana and Rawal set a textbook foundation for a massive total. Their ability to rotate the strike while maintaining a healthy boundary count disrupted New Zealand’s bowling plans. Moreover, Radha Yadav’s economy rate exemplifies disciplined middle‑over bowling, a key factor in post‑rain scenarios. Teams aspiring to emulate this success should prioritize depth in batting and flexible bowlers capable of adapting to DLS adjustments.
November 11, 2025 at 12:51
Dinesh Kumar
The victory we witnessed today is a vivid illustration of how preparation meets opportunity on the cricketing field. Our girls entered the arena with a clear plan, knowing that the pitch would favor the bat but also respecting the fickle nature of weather. They embraced the DLS interruption not as a setback, but as a mental exercise in resilience. Smriti’s century laid the cornerstone, embodying the calm confidence of a seasoned leader. Pratika’s subsequent hundred amplified that foundation, turning a solid start into an imposing total. Jemimah’s unbeaten half‑century acted as the perfect bridge, ensuring the run‑rate never wavered. In bowling, Radha Yadav’s tight spell reminded us that precision can be as lethal as power. Each delivery she bowled was a lesson in patience, forcing the opposition to play on our terms. The team’s fielding, too, displayed a collective brilliance; every catch was taken with purpose and poise. Beyond the statistics, what struck me most was the unity of purpose that radiated from the dressing room. The players supported each other’s strengths, covering weaknesses without hesitation. Such cohesion is rarely accidental; it stems from countless hours of shared sacrifice and mutual respect. Looking ahead to the semi‑finals, this spirit will be our greatest weapon against any opponent. Whether we face England or South Africa, the belief that we belong among the elite will guide every decision. In summary, today’s win is a testament to skill, strategy, and the unwavering heart of Indian women’s cricket.
November 20, 2025 at 19:05
Hari Krishnan H
Honestly, watching those centuries roll in felt like a party in the stands. The way the team just clicked together, it’s the vibe every fan dreams about. Keep the energy up, girls-you’ve earned every cheer.
November 30, 2025 at 01:18