Women's World Cup 2025: India Storms into Semi-Finals After Defeating New Zealand — Will Face Table-Topper Next

The Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has booked its place in the semi-finals of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. A crucial win against New Zealand and favorable rain-affected results have sealed India’s qualification, ensuring their spot in the knockout stage.

India Qualifies After Beating New Zealand

India’s victory over New Zealand not only strengthened their position in the points table but also eliminated the Kiwis from semi-final contention. New Zealand, with four points, can reach a maximum of six even if they win their last match — not enough to surpass India, who have won more games in the league stage.

India’s final league match will be against Bangladesh, but their semi-final berth is already confirmed.

Who Will India Face in the Semi-Final?

If India win their last group-stage match, they will finish with 8 points. However, Australia (11 points), South Africa (10 points), and England (9 points) are already ahead in the standings.

This means India will likely face the table-topping team in the semi-final.
Australia currently lead the table with five wins from six matches, while South Africa are second. The upcoming Australia vs South Africa clash on October 25 will decide who finishes first — and who faces India in the semi-final.

Match Recap: India Beat New Zealand by 53 Runs

In a rain-affected encounter, India batted first after losing the toss and posted a massive 340/3 in 49 overs (reduced from 50 due to rain).

Indian Batting Highlights:

• Smriti Mandhana: 109 (95 balls, 10 fours, 4 sixes) — her 14th ODI century and fifth this year.

• Pratika Rawal: 122 (134 balls, 13 fours, 2 sixes) — added a record 212-run stand with Mandhana.

• Jemimah Rodrigues: unbeaten 76 (55 balls, 11 fours) — provided the late acceleration.

New Zealand’s Chase Falls Short

Under the DLS method, New Zealand were set a revised target of 325 in 44 overs. They could only manage 271/8, losing by 53 runs.

• Brooke Halliday fought bravely with 81 (84), while Izzy Gage remained unbeaten on 65 (51).

• For India, Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaur took two wickets each, while Sneh Rana, N Charani, Deepti Sharma, and Patrika Rawal claimed one apiece.

The Road Ahead

With this win, India — two-time World Cup runners-up — continue their strong campaign and will now prepare for a tough semi-final against either Australia or South Africa.

Their final league clash against Bangladesh will serve as crucial momentum heading into the knockouts.

Key Stats:

• India: 340/3 (49 overs)

• New Zealand: 271/8 (44 overs)

• Result: India won by 53 runs (DLS Method)

• Player of the Match: Pratika Rawal (122 off 134)