Opening batters Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana were the stars of the show, smashing sublime centuries to help the hosts post a mammoth total. Rawal made 122 off 125 balls, while Mandhana contributed a fluent 109 off 96 deliveries as India amassed 340 for 3 in 49 overs, their highest total of the tournament.
Rain interruptions saw New Zealand’s target revised to 325 off 44 overs, but India’s disciplined bowling attack ensured the White Ferns fell short despite fighting half-centuries from Brooke Halliday (81) and Izzy Gaze (65 not out).
For India, Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Gaud (2/48) led the bowling effort, while Rawal capped off her dream day by claiming the key wicket of Maddy Green.
With this win, India have sealed a semi-final berth and will play their knockout fixture in Navi Mumbai, regardless of their opponent. Meanwhile, the result confirmed Sri Lanka’s elimination from the competition.
Match Summary:
India: 340/3 (49 overs) – Pratika Rawal 122, Smriti Mandhana 109, Jemimah Rodrigues 76*
New Zealand: 271/8 (44 overs) – Brooke Halliday 81, Izzy Gaze 65*; Renuka Singh 2/25
Result: India won by 53 runs (DLS method)
Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Attendance: 25,166 – the highest group-stage crowd in ICC Women’s event history.
