When Smriti Mandhana, the 28‑year‑old vice‑captain of the Indian women's side, walked out to the middle at DY Patil Stadium on October 23, 2025, she already knew a win was non‑negotiable. A must‑win clash against Sophie Devine’s New Zealand meant the difference between an early exit and a place in the semifinals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The pair of openers – Mandhana and the 25‑year‑old Pratika Rawal – turned that pressure into a 211‑run partnership, a record‑breaking double‑century stand that propelled India to a 53‑run victory by the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern method.
Context: India’s Road to Navi Mumbai
India entered the tournament with three wins and three defeats, hovering on the brink of elimination. The group stage had already produced a stunning upset when Australia thumped India by 78 runs in Delhi, but a win against South Africa and a narrow victory over England kept the team alive. The DY Patil Stadium, a fortress of 12 consecutive women's ODI wins since 2022, offered the perfect backdrop for a comeback.
Fans flooded the stands at the Maharashtra venue under sweltering, humid conditions. The buzz was palpable, especially after Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been dropped earlier in the tournament, was recalled to the middle order. Her inclusion signaled a shift in strategy: play aggressive, bat deep, and chase big totals.
Details of the Record‑Setting Partnership
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field – a move the Times of India later called a "blunder". The ball rose quickly, and the opening pair attacked. Mandhana struck 12 fours and three sixes in her 109‑run knock off 95 balls, marking her 14th ODI century and 17th international century overall. "I just saw the gaps and went for it," she said in the post‑match interview.
Rawal, on the other hand, paced herself. Her 122 runs came from 134 balls, backed by 14 fours and a single six, giving her maiden World Cup hundred. The duo’s stand of 211 runs became the first Indian opening partnership to cross the double‑century mark in women’s ODIs and only the fourth ever in the format.
- Mandhana: 109 (95) – 12 fours, 3 sixes
- Rawal: 122 (134) – 14 fours, 1 six
- Partnership: 211 runs for the 1st wicket
When Rawal fell at 211, India were already 340 for three after 49 overs, a total that would have seemed daunting even without rain.
New Zealand’s Chase and the DLS Twist
Just as New Zealand began their reply, an unseasonal downpour halted play for 90 minutes. When the skies cleared, the ICC’s Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern method revised the target to 325 runs in 44 overs – a stretch that required a run‑rate of 7.39 per over. Only Brooke Halliday (81 off 84) and Isabella Gaze (65* off 51) offered resistance. The chase faltered at 271 for eight; Halliday was bowled by a sharp yorker, and Gaze fell with just nine balls left.
India’s fielding made a difference, too. Mandhana took a superb catch at short mid‑wicket to dismiss New Zealand’s all‑round star Amelia Kerr, who had been cruising at 45 off 38 before the dismissal.
Reactions from Players and Analysts
"It’s a massive relief for the whole camp," Rawal said, still catching her breath. "We knew we had to put something massive on the board, and the conditions helped us play our natural game."
Mandhana’s performance drew praise beyond the scorecard. Gulf News noted that her 17 international centuries now equal Australian legend Meg Lanning for the most centuries in women’s international cricket. The Republic World analysis added that Mandhana had become the second‑highest ODI centurion, trailing only Lanning’s 15 tones.
Experts also highlighted the broader impact on women’s cricket in India. Former India women’s captain Jhulan Goswami told a Mumbai television panel that the partnership "sets a new benchmark for power‑hitting and consistency" and could inspire a generation of young girls in the country.
What This Means for the Semifinals
With the win, India joins Australia, England, and South Africa in the knockout stage. Their next opponent? South Africa Women, who secured their place after a dominant 7‑wicket win over Sri Lanka in Durban. The semifinal is slated for October 30, 2025, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata – a venue known for its roaring crowds and historic moments.
Statistically, India’s batting line‑up now averages 55.16 runs per innings in the tournament, while their bowling unit has kept opponents to an average of 4.3 runs per over. If they can replicate the opening partnership’s momentum, the final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 23 could be theirs.
Historical Perspective: Women’s Cricket’s Growing Profile
The 2025 World Cup has already broken several records. Aside from the Rawal‑Mandhana partnership, the tournament has seen the most centuries in a single edition – 12 to date – and the highest aggregate run‑rate (5.8 per over) in women's ODIs. The ICC’s decision to host the event across multiple Indian venues reflects both commercial confidence and the sport’s expanding fan base.
Even the media narrative is shifting. Where once women's cricket coverage was limited to scorelines, outlets now feature in‑depth tactical analysis, player profiles, and even fan culture pieces. This change, analysts argue, stems from the rise of stars like Mandhana, who combine skill with marketable personalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India’s win affect their chances in the semifinal?
The victory boosts India’s confidence and improves their net run‑rate, giving them a psychological edge. Facing South Africa, who rely heavily on spin, India’s strong opening pair could neutralise the threat and set a high target, making the semifinal more winnable.
What records did Smriti Mandhana break in this match?
Mandhana equalled Meg Lanning’s tally of 17 international centuries, recorded her 14th ODI century, and became the second‑most prolific ODI centurion in women’s cricket. She also matched South Africa’s Tazmin Brits for five centuries in a calendar year.
Why was the New Zealand captain’s decision to field considered a blunder?
Choosing to field meant New Zealand surrendered the early batting advantage on a flat pitch that favoured run‑makers. The decision allowed India’s openers to settle and build a massive partnership, leaving New Zealand with an impossible target even before rain intervened.
How does the DLS method influence high‑scoring games like this one?
The DLS method recalculates targets based on overs left and wickets in hand after a weather interruption. In this match, the rain shortened New Zealand’s innings to 44 overs, but the revised target of 325 still required a run‑rate of over 7 per over, keeping the chase challenging despite the reduced overs.
What does this win mean for the growth of women’s cricket in India?
A high‑profile victory on home soil draws massive media attention and fan support, encouraging sponsors and grassroots programmes. Young players now have tangible role models, and State associations report increased registrations in girls’ cricket academies.
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