“Partnership and teamwork can turn the toughest challenges into historic victories on the field.”
Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana powered India into the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with stunning centuries against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai. The openers shared a record-breaking 212-run partnership, the first double-century opening stand in a Women’s World Cup since 1988.
Mandhana scored 109 runs off 95 balls, while Rawal made 122 off 134 balls. Jemimah Rodrigues added a quick 76* from 55 balls, helping India reach 340/3 in 49 overs.
Chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs due to rain, New Zealand managed 271/8. Brooke Halliday scored 81, and Isabella Gaze remained 65*, but it wasn’t enough to stop India.
This win ended India’s three-match losing streak and secured their spot in the semi-finals alongside Australia, England, and South Africa. Mandhana was named Player of the Match, though she praised Rawal for her crucial contribution. India will next face either Australia or South Africa in the semi-final.