Who won India Women vs New Zealand Women clash in Women's World Cup 2025 Match 24 today? — Match result & turning points
India reached the semi-finals after beating New Zealand by 53 runs (via DLS method) in match No. 24 of the Women's World Cup 2025 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Sophie Devine won the toss in the virtual quarter-final clash and opted to bowl first. India posted a whopping 340/3 in 49 overs after the match was curtailed due to rain in the first innings. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal smashed phenomenal centuries to set the foundation up, and Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten
76 off 55 balls was the icing on the cake.
Further rain in between the two innings meant that New Zealand had to chase down a revised target of 325 runs in 44 overs. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr got themselves off to fluent starts but couldn't capitalise. The onus was on the in-form Devine to produce a stellar effort and keep her team in the contest. However, she was dismissed by a pearler from Renuka Singh.
Brroke Halliday and Isabella Gaze scored aggressive half-centuries down the order, but their stunning knocks were not enough for the White Ferns. They were eventually restricted to 271/8 in 44 overs.
Top batting performances of the match — Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana smashed half-centuries in the last two games, but the three-figure score eluded him till Thursday. The Indian vice-captain smashed 109 off 95 balls, belting 10 fours and four sixes. She added a 212-run stand off 201 balls for the opening wicket, which made things easier for the Indian batters to follow.
Top bowling performances of the match — Renuka Singh
Renuka Singh bowled a peach of a delivery to send Sophie Devine packing in the 12th over. In her previous over, Renuka had dismissed a well-set Georgia Plimmer. The right-arm seamer finished with figures of 2/25 in six overs.
Who was the Player of the Match?
While Pratika Rawal bagged a wicket to go with her 134-ball 122, the Player of the Match was given to Smriti Mandhana, who made an exhilarating 109 off 95 balls, hitting 10 fours and four maximums with a strike rate of 114.74. The latter took three catches in the second innings.
Unforgettable moments from IND W vs NZ W, 24th match
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal's epic 212-run partnership off 201 balls will stand the test of time. They have already added some huge first-innings totals in recent months. However, this could be the most special partnership for them, judging by the importance of the match, with a spot in the semi-finals up for grabs for the Women in Blue.
What is the next match?
New Zealand and India will play on the same day against England and Bangladesh, respectively. These face-offs will be held on Sunday, October 26.
