New Delhi: India secured a hard-fought place in the semifinals of the Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating New Zealand by 53 runs in a rain-curtailed match. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team overcame several challenges to become the fourth and final team to advance to the knockout stage of the home tournament.
Electing to bat first, India posted a commanding total of 340 for 3 in 49 overs. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal starred with centuries, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a crucial 76-run innings, setting the foundation for a challenging chase.
In response, New Zealand struggled from the outset, losing Suzie Bates in the second over. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr added 50 for the second wicket, but the Kiwis soon slipped to 59 for 3. Kerr and Brooke Halliday steadied the innings with a 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket. After Kerr’s dismissal, Halliday and Maddy Green added 39 runs, followed by a vital 111-run stand between Halliday and wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze for the sixth wicket. Gaze then combined with Jess Kerr for 40 more runs before Kranti Gaud dismissed Kerr, leaving New Zealand with 271 in 44 overs.
With the victory, India now have six points from six matches and one remaining league game against Bangladesh. A win in that match would take India to eight points, confirming their position as the fourth-placed team. England, currently on nine points with one game against New Zealand pending, are guaranteed a higher spot.
According to the tournament format, the fourth-placed team faces the top-ranked team in the semifinals. Australia currently lead the table with 11 points, while South Africa is second with 10. The two teams will play their final league match on Friday, with the winner scheduled to meet India in the semifinal on October 29 in Guwahati.
Even if India and New Zealand finish on equal points, India’s three wins ensure they advance, while New Zealand can secure only two victories. The win marks a significant milestone as India aims to make a deep run in the World Cup on home soil.
