When Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India’s women’s side, walked out onto the field on October 23, 2025, the stakes were crystal clear: a win meant a ticket to the semifinals of the Women's Cricket World Cup, a loss would send the White Ferns home. The rain‑soaked afternoon at an unnamed venue in India turned into a showcase of power hitting and disciplined bowling, ultimately delivering a 56‑run victory by the DLS method.
Match Summary and Key Moments
The toss was won by New Zealand skipper Melie Kerr, who elected to bowl first. That decision set the tone for a rain‑interrupted contest that saw the Indian batters take full advantage of the extra overs. Opening partners Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal both crossed the 100‑run mark, propelling India to a formidable 340/9 in 49 overs.
When the clouds cleared, the DLS board set New Zealand a revised target of 325 runs from 44 overs. The White Ferns fought valiantly, with Brooke Halliday striking 81 and Izzy Gaze remaining unbeaten on 65. In the end they fell short at 269, handing India the win and a place among the final four.
- Match date: 23 Oct 2025
- Venue: Unspecified venue, India
- India score: 340/9 (49 overs)
- New Zealand DLS target: 325 runs (44 overs)
- Result: India won by 56 runs (DLS)
Batting Performances That Turned the Tide
The twin centuries from Mandhana and Rawal were the backbone of India’s total. Mandhana, who has been a pillar of the side for years, paced her innings with a blend of classic drives and inventive scoops, ending on 112 runs off 98 balls. Rawal, relatively new to the international stage, matched her teammate’s aggression, finishing on 108 off 101 deliveries. Their partnership of 190 runs shattered any remaining doubts about the Indian top order’s depth.
On the New Zealand side, Halliday’s 81 was a gritty display of resilience, but the required run‑rate after the DLS adjustment proved too steep. Gaze’s unbeaten 65 highlighted her knack for anchoring an innings, yet the gap left by early wickets made the chase a steep uphill battle.
Bowling Impact and DLS Adjustment
India’s bowlers made sure the target never looked reachable. Renuka Singh Thakur led the attack with figures of 2/25 in her allotted four overs, extracting sharp bounce on a slightly damp pitch. Fellow pacer Kranti Gaud chipped in with 2/48, breaking crucial partnerships in the middle overs.
Every bowler claimed at least one wicket, a testament to the team’s depth. The DLS method, which recalculates targets based on overs and wickets lost, favoured India after the rain delay; the revised chase required a run‑rate of 7.38 per over, a demanding ask even for a side that had been cruising earlier in the tournament.
What the Win Means for India and the Tournament
Beyond the numbers, the victory erased a worrying three‑match losing streak that had seen India teeter on the brink of elimination. With six points from three wins, India joins Australia, England and South Africa as the four semifinalists. The turnaround has sparked a wave of optimism among fans, who had watched their side slip after a rocky start.
Analysts point out that the win also demonstrates India’s ability to adapt under pressure—something that will be crucial when they face a higher‑seeded opponent in the knockout stage. The performance of the opening pair especially signals that the batting order can build massive totals, a quality that could be decisive in a one‑day final.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Prospects
The semifinal draw will be announced after the group stage concludes, pitting India against one of the other qualifiers. If they meet Australia, the encounter could become a high‑octane clash of firepower versus finesse; a showdown with England would test India’s ability to chase under pressure, while a South Africa matchup would likely become a battle of bowlers.
Regardless of the opponent, the team will look to ride the momentum generated by the twin centuries and the cohesive bowling effort. Coach Rohit Sharma (unmarked as a primary entity) has already hinted at tweaking the batting order to keep the opposition guessing. Fans can expect a short celebratory pause before the squad re‑focuses on the next big hurdle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect India’s chances in the semifinals?
The win boosts India’s confidence and proves their top order can post mammoth scores. With a 56‑run margin, the team has shown both batting depth and a versatile bowling attack, giving them a solid platform against any of the three possible semifinal opponents.
What were the key reasons New Zealand fell short of the DLS target?
Rain‑adjusted overs meant a steep required run‑rate of 7.38 per over. Early wickets put pressure on the middle order, and India’s disciplined bowlers kept the scoring in check, preventing a sustained partnership that could have closed the gap.
Who were the standout performers for India in this match?
Openers Smriti Mandhana (112) and Pratika Rawal (108) were the architects of the total. On the bowling side, Renuka Singh Thakur (2/25) and Kranti Gaud (2/48) each took crucial wickets and kept the run‑rate low.
What does the DLS method mean for rain‑affected matches?
The Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern (DLS) method recalculates the target based on overs and wickets remaining after a weather interruption. It aims to give both sides a fair chance, but it can also increase the required run‑rate dramatically, as seen in this game.
When will the semifinals of the CWC25 be played?
The semifinal stage is scheduled to begin after the group phase finishes on October 23, 2025. Exact dates and venues will be confirmed by the ICC in the coming days.
Gaurav Bhujade
October 24, 2025 AT 00:02The opening partnership really set the tone, those two centuries gave India a huge platform. Renuka's economy kept the chase tight and Kranti chipped in at the right moments. It’s a solid win that puts the side in a good spot for the semis.
Chandrajyoti Singh
October 24, 2025 AT 05:36Indeed, the performance showcases both skill and composure under pressure. The team’s ability to adjust to the rain‑adjusted target speaks volumes about their preparation. It will be intriguing to see how they fare against the next opponent, given this momentum.
Riya Patil
October 24, 2025 AT 11:09What a spectacular display! The twin centuries were nothing short of theatrical, each boundary echoing the crowd’s roar. The bowlers matched that drama by delivering wickets at crucial junctures, turning the match into a compelling saga. Such a victory lifts the spirit of every fan, reminding us why we love the game.
prakash purohit
October 24, 2025 AT 16:42One can’t help but notice how the DLS formula seemed to tilt in India’s favour after the rain stop. Some hidden variables might have been tweaked to benefit the home side. It’s worth keeping an eye on the statistical patterns in future matches. The board should ensure absolute transparency.
Darshan M N
October 24, 2025 AT 22:16Those bowlers really kept the pressure on, especially in the middle overs.
manish mishra
October 25, 2025 AT 03:49Sure, the DLS helped, but the real story is that the opposition just couldn’t handle the chase 😏. They collapsed when it mattered most.
tirumala raja sekhar adari
October 25, 2025 AT 09:22Honestly the bechm is overrated, wether it was raining or not it was jus a loosing match for nz.
abhishek singh rana
October 25, 2025 AT 14:56The win provides India with a crucial psychological edge heading into the semifinals. It also adds valuable points to their tournament tally, securing a spot among the top four. The partnership between the openers was a textbook example of rotating the strike while finding boundaries. Their tempo allowed the team to build a massive total without taking unnecessary risks. Meanwhile, the bowlers upheld pressure by maintaining tight lines and lengths. Renuka’s spell was particularly economical, conceding just 25 runs in four overs. Kranti’s ability to break partnerships prevented any middle‑order resurgence. The field placements adapted well to the damp conditions, limiting run‑scoring opportunities. The DLS adjustment, while favoring India, still required a solid chase from New Zealand, which they couldn’t sustain. Early wickets for India disrupted New Zealand’s momentum. The middle overs saw a gradual increase in run‑rate, but the disciplined bowling kept it in check. This balance between bat and ball illustrates the team’s depth. Coach Rohit Sharma’s strategic tweaks, such as promoting certain hitters, paid dividends. The crowd’s energy, despite the rain, added an extra boost for the home side. Overall, the performance reflects a well‑drilled unit capable of handling high‑pressure scenarios. As the semifinal approaches, this win will serve as a benchmark for confidence and execution.
Shashikiran B V
October 25, 2025 AT 20:29Adding to the analysis, the fielding standards were noticeably high, which often goes unmentioned. The catches taken in the outfield prevented what could have been vital half‑centuries.
Sam Sandeep
October 26, 2025 AT 02:02The tactical nuance was subpar; the opposition failed to capitalize on the powerplay, exposing their lack of strategic depth.
Ajinkya Chavan
October 26, 2025 AT 07:36Look, the data clearly shows the wickets came at the right moments and that’s what wins games. Anyone doubting that should step up their analysis.
Ashwin Ramteke
October 26, 2025 AT 13:09For those who missed it, the extra overs after rain gave India a chance to accelerate. The bowlers adapted quickly, limiting the chase.
Rucha Patel
October 26, 2025 AT 18:42The margin of victory was impressive, reflecting both batting depth and bowling precision.
Kajal Deokar
October 27, 2025 AT 00:16It is with great pleasure that I commend the team for their exemplary performance; such dedication inspires the entire nation and sets a lofty standard for future endeavors.
Dr Chytra V Anand
October 27, 2025 AT 05:49The strategic execution observed in this match aligns with fundamental cricketing principles and deserves recognition.
Deepak Mittal
October 27, 2025 AT 11:22While some may applaud the result, it’s crucial to remember the underlying manipulations within the governing bodies that often go unnoticed. The DLS system, designed under veiled interests, subtly shifts advantage toward the host nation, especially in rain‑affected fixtures. This covert influence, coupled with selective umpire appointments, creates an uneven playing field. Fans should stay vigilant and question the so‑called fairness of such adjustments.