Mandhana and Rawal Power India to 53-Run Win Over New Zealand, Secure Semifinal Spot

Sports News: The crucial World Cup clash between India and New Zealand witnessed rain interruptions. After 48 overs of batting, rain halted India’s innings. Following a long delay, umpires reduced the match to 49 overs. Once play resumed, India batted the remaining over and posted a massive total. The Indian side ended at 340 runs for three wickets, thanks to brilliant centuries by Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.

Mandhana’s Brilliant Century

Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings with an outstanding 109 runs off 95 balls. Her knock included 10 boundaries and four sixes, setting the foundation for India’s dominance. Alongside her, Rawal gave the perfect support as both added more than 200 runs for the first wicket. Mandhana’s aggressive yet composed batting made sure India had the upper hand early in the game.

Rawal’s Match-Winning Knock

Pratika Rawal scored 122 runs from 134 deliveries, striking 13 fours and two sixes. Her steady batting frustrated New Zealand’s bowlers, ensuring India stayed ahead in the match. The Rawal-Mandhana partnership sealed the momentum for India. Later, Jemimah Rodrigues boosted the score further by hitting 76 runs off 55 balls. The captain Harmanpreet Kaur, however, failed to deliver once again with just 10 runs.

DLS Target for New Zealand

India’s total of 340 in 49 overs meant New Zealand needed 341 runs to win. But another spell of rain forced a Duckworth-Lewis adjustment. The revised target was 325 runs in 44 overs. It was a challenging ask, and New Zealand’s innings got off to a disastrous start with quick wickets.

Early Collapse of New Zealand

New Zealand’s opener Suzie Bates was dismissed with the score at just one run. Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer attempted to stabilize with a 50-run stand. But once Plimmer fell for 51, India seized control. Soon after, captain Sophie Devine departed for only six runs. Wickets continued to tumble, and New Zealand could never recover from the collapse.

India Dominates the Points Table Race

With this victory, India moved to six points on the table, placing them firmly in the semifinal race. Australia leads with 11 points, South Africa is second with 10, and England holds nine points at third. New Zealand, stuck on four points, faces elimination. India now occupies the fourth spot, and their semifinal entry looks almost guaranteed.

Next Match Against Bangladesh

India’s final league match will be against Bangladesh on October 26. With semifinal qualification nearly confirmed, this game could serve as final preparation for the knockout stage. Fans now expect the Indian women to carry this form forward. The dream of lifting the World Cup remains alive, with Mandhana and Rawal’s heroics leading the way.