Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 24 (ANI): Team India bounced back in style after three consecutive defeats, securing a commanding 53-run victory (DLS method) over New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday to seal their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup.
It was a complete team performance from the Women in Blue, with all bowlers chipping in to restrict New Zealand to 271/8 in 44 overs while chasing a revised target of 325. Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Goud (2/48) were the leading wicket-takers for India. Renuka Singh also achieved a career milestone, completing 100 international wickets—40 in ODIs, 58 in T20Is, and 2 in Tests—showcasing her consistency across formats.
New Zealand’s innings got off to a shaky start as veteran Suzie Bates was dismissed for just 1, leaving the team at 1/1 in 1.3 overs. Skipper Sophie Devine fell early for 6, with the scoreboard reading 59/3 in 11.3 overs. Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday added 56 runs together, but Sneh Rana struck to remove Kerr for 45. Maddy Green contributed 18 before falling to Pratika Rawal, who had earlier scored a century in the match.
Brooke Halliday fought valiantly, scoring 81 off 84 balls with nine fours and a six, while Isabella Gaze remained unbeaten at 65 off 51 balls, hitting ten boundaries. Despite their efforts, India sealed a comprehensive victory.
Earlier, India posted a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs. Centuries from Pratika Rawal (122) and Smriti Mandhana (109) laid the foundation, with Jemimah Rodrigues adding a brisk 76* to help India register their highest total of the tournament so far.
For New Zealand, Suzie Bates (1/40 in 7 overs), Amelia Kerr (1/69 in 10 overs), and Rosemary Mair (1/52 in 8 overs) claimed a wicket each, but India’s strong top order proved too dominant.
Brief Scores: India Women 340/3 in 49 overs (Pratika Rawal 122, Smriti Mandhana 109; Suzie Bates 1/40) vs New Zealand Women 271/8 in 44 overs (Brooke Halliday 81, Isabella Gaze 65*; Renuka Singh 2/25). (ANI)
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