On Thursday, October 23, 2025, Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the India Women’s national cricket team, steered her side to a 53‑run victory over New Zealand at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The win, clinched via the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern (DLS) method after rain cut short New Zealand’s chase, booked India a spot in the semifinal of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Match Recap and Key Moments
New Zealand won the toss, with Sophie Devine, the seasoned 35‑year‑old captain, electing to field first. India posted 240/7 in their full 50 overs, anchored by a silky 74 from Smriti Mandhana and a quick‑fire 46 from opening partner Pratika Rawal. The middle order—Harleen Deol (38) and Renuka Singh Thakur (26)—added crucial runs while wicket‑keeper Richa Ghosh (23) finished with a brisk 30 off 18 balls.
When rain intervened at 38.2 overs, New Zealand’s target was revised to 241. They managed 187, falling 53 short. Notably, Devine’s spell in the ninth over saw three consecutive dot balls to Rawal, underscoring the pressure India’s bowlers maintained throughout the innings.
- India: 240/7 (50 overs)
- New Zealand: 187 (38.2 overs, DLS target 241)
- Result: India win by 53 runs (DLS)
- Attendance: 28,431 spectators
What the Win Means for India
Entering the match, India sat on eight points after three straight defeats to Australia, South Africa and England. The victory catapulted them to 10 points, comfortably above the 12‑point threshold needed to guarantee a semifinal berth, though the official qualification comes after the final group round.
“We kept believing in our game plan despite the setbacks,” said Kaur in the post‑match press conference. “The bowlers held the line, and the top order delivered when it mattered most.”
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials praised the resilience, noting that the win restores confidence ahead of the high‑stakes semifinal against Australia scheduled for October 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
New Zealand’s Campaign Ends
For the Kiwis, the loss meant elimination with just four points from two completed matches and two washouts (October 7 and October 12). The early exit is their quickest World Cup departure since 2017, ending an 18‑match unbeaten streak that began in October 2022.
Veteran batter Suzie Bates, 38, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the team’s future: “We gave it our all; the rain was an unlucky factor. The squad will come back stronger for the next tournament.”
Expert Reactions and Statistics
Cricket analyst Ravi Shastri highlighted the statistical turnaround: “India’s bowlers kept New Zealand under 5 runs per over after the DLS revision—an impressive feat given the chase was set at a steep 241.”
Key figures from the match:
- India’s total run rate: 4.80 runs per over.
- New Zealand’s revised required run rate: 6.31 runs per over.
- Highest partnership for India: 112 runs between Kaur (62) and Mandhana (74).
- Best bowling figures: Renuka Singh Thakur – 3/28 in 9 overs.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the DLS method has been applied consistently throughout the tournament, with the current match being the 24th occasion the rule was invoked in World Cup history.
Looking Ahead: Semifinals and Beyond
India now prepares to face the unbeaten Australian side on October 30 at the world‑class Narendra Modi Stadium. The semifinal promises a clash of titans, as Australia’s batting lineup—led by Alyssa Healy—has yet to lose a match.
Meanwhile, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025India) continues at venues across Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, with a $2.4 million prize pool awaiting the champion.
Historical Head‑to‑Head
Since their first ODI encounter on June 16, 1982, India and New Zealand have met 27 times in women’s ODIs. India leads the series 15‑12, a margin that widened with today’s win. The rivalry has produced memorable moments, but the DLS‑decided victory adds a new chapter to the record books.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India's chances in the semifinal?
The victory lifts India to 10 points, securing a semifinal berth and boosting team morale. It also gives the side a full complement of all‑rounders, which will be crucial against Australia’s potent batting line‑up.
What were the key factors behind New Zealand's elimination?
Two rain‑affected washouts left New Zealand with just four points. In the match against India, they fell short of the revised target, exposing a lack of depth in the middle order when chasing a steep DLS target.
Why was the DLS method used in this game?
Heavy showers interrupted New Zealand’s innings after 38.2 overs, reducing the number of overs available. The DLS algorithm recalculated a target of 241 runs, ensuring a fair contest despite the shortened chase.
Who were the standout performers for India?
Smriti Mandhana’s 74 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 62 anchored the chase, while Renuka Singh Thakur’s 3/28 bagged the crucial wickets that stifled New Zealand’s run‑rate.
When and where is the next World Cup match?
India’s semifinal is set for October 30, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The winner will advance to the final scheduled for November 5 at the same venue.
Post Comments (4)
It's great to see the Indian side adapt their game plan after a rough stretch. The bowlers kept the pressure on, especially Renuka Singh Thakur with those economical figures. A DLS‑adjusted target can be tricky, but the team handled it with composure. This win should give them momentum heading into the semis.
India's top order absolutely demolished New Zealand's bowling attack, and anyone who doubts that performance clearly hasn't watched a single ball of the match!!! The 74 from Mandhana and the 62 from Kaur were nothing short of clinical, and Renuka Singh Thakur's 3/28 turned the game into a textbook DLS victory!!!
Statistically speaking, India posted a run rate of 4.80 RPO, while New Zealand needed a steep 6.31 after the DLS revision; that differential alone explains the 53‑run margin 😊. Moreover, the partnership of 112 runs between Kaur and Mandhana accounted for nearly half of the total, underscoring the top‑order's dominance.
What a fantastic display of resilience! The way the Indian side rallied after those early defeats showcases true championship grit-big props to the bowlers for keeping NZ under five runs per over, and hats off to the batters for timing their aggression perfectly.