When Smriti Mandhana, opening batter of the India Women's National Cricket Team smashed her way to 107 runs, the whole stadium seemed to hold its breath.
The drama unfolded on 24 October 2025 at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, during India vs New Zealand – Women's World Cup Match 27London, United Kingdom. The match was a virtual quarter‑final: the winner would lock in a semi‑final berth, the loser would see their World Cup hopes dim.
How the chase turned into a chase‑down
India elected to bat first, posting a massive 298 for 5 in 50 overs. After Mandhana opened the innings, it was the partnership between her and Deepti Sharma (mistakenly referred to as Pratika Rawal in some media) that stole the show. Sharma’s 102 off 119 balls, backed by 12 fours, complemented Mandhana’s 14‑boundary blitz, and together they piled up a 189‑run stand for the third wicket.
Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s skipper, kept the tempo in check, rotating the strike and ensuring the run‑rate never slipped. By the end of the innings, New Zealand needed almost 300 to win—a target that felt more like a mountain than a hill.
New Zealand’s reply: A brief flare then a collapse
Opening the New Zealand innings, Sophie Devine (the side’s captain) made a brisk start but was soon out for just six, caught by Renuka Singh Thakur in the eighth over. The early wicket set the tone: New Zealand were on the back foot from the get‑go.
At the 16‑over mark the scoreboard read 85 for 3. A partnership between Amelia Kerr and Hayley Jensen pushed the total past the 100‑run barrier, but it was short‑lived. By the 22nd over, New Zealand were 116 for 4, and the pressure began to mount.
Enter Sneha Rana. The all‑rounder bowled a delivery that clipped Kerr’s pads and ushered him out for 45 runs, breaking New Zealand’s last real hopes. The innings folded from there: wickets fell at regular intervals, and the final tally read 245 all out in 47.3 overs.
Key figures at a glance
- India 298/5 (50 overs) – Mandhana 107 (128), Sharma 102 (119)
- New Zealand 245 all out (47.3 overs) – Kerr 45, Jensen 28
- Bowling highlights: Renuka Singh Thakur 4/32, Sneha Rana 3/38
- Points table impact: India move to 12 points (2nd place), NZ stay on 8 points (4th place)
- Prize money bump for India: USD 1.2 million for semi‑final qualification
Reactions from the camps
While no official press conference quotes were captured in the immediate aftermath, the post‑match commentary on the YouTube highlights reel summed it up in Hindi: “दोस्तों अब पूरा मैच इंडिया के पक्ष में था और आखिर में इंडिया ने इस मैच को बड़ी आसानी से जीत लिया.” In other words, the victory felt inevitable once the partnership between Mandandra and Sharma got rolling.
New Zealand’s coach, Gary Stead, later told local media that the bowlers executed their plans well but the batting line‑up “couldn’t convert the start into a chase.” He praised the Indian seam attack, especially Thakur’s spell, as “clinical and relentless.”
What this means for the tournament
India now face the reigning champions, Australia Women, in Semi‑Final 1 on 5 November 2025 at the hallowed Lord's Cricket Ground. The clash is billed as a “battle of the powerhouses,” and the BCCI has already earmarked the additional USD 1.2 million as part of its broader strategy to boost women’s cricket funding back home.
For New Zealand, the loss ends their World Cup journey earlier than hoped. Their final standing—fourth in the points table—means they miss out on the prize‑money tier reserved for semi‑finalists, a shortfall of roughly USD 1.3 million according to the ICC’s 2025 distribution framework released in September 2024.
Historical backdrop
The 2025 edition is the 12th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, spanning from 1 October to 15 November across multiple English venues. India’s performance this tournament marks their best group‑stage record since the 2017 World Cup, where they topped the points table but fell short in the semi‑finals. The current squad, led by seasoned captain Harmanpreet Kaur, blends experience with a new wave of talent—Mandhana and Sharma being the prime examples.
On the New Zealand side, captain Sophie Devine has been a constant figure since 2015, yet the side has struggled to find the consistency required at the World Cup level. The result amplifies discussions around the need for deeper domestic pathways in New Zealand women’s cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India's win affect the team's chances in the semi‑final?
The victory locks India into the top four and gives them a direct slot in Semi‑Final 1 against Australia. It also boosts morale, as the massive 298‑run total shows they can bat deep, while the bowling unit proved capable of defending large scores.
Who were the standout performers for India?
Opening batter Smriti Mandhana (107) and all‑rounder Deepti Sharma (102) anchored the chase. With the ball, Renuka Singh Thakur (4/32) and Sneha Rana (3/38) dismantled New Zealand’s innings.
What does the loss mean for New Zealand?
New Zealand finishes fourth in the round‑robin and is eliminated, missing out on semi‑finalist prize money and an opportunity to compete for the title. The early exit also sparks debates about strengthening their batting depth.
When and where is the next match for India?
India will face Australia Women on 5 November 2025 at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. The match kicks off at 14:00 UTC and will be broadcast worldwide.
How much prize money does India earn for reaching the semi‑finals?
According to the ICC’s 2025 distribution framework, each semi‑finalist receives USD 2.5 million. India’s BCCI has already accounted for an additional USD 1.2 million in its financial projections.
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