India Clinches Last World Cup Semi Final Spot with Win Over New Zealand

• India secures final semi-final berth with a 53 run victory over New Zealand.
• Centuries from Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana anchor India’s record tournament total.
• New Zealand’s chase falls short despite half-centuries from Halliday and Gaze.

India booked the last spot in the World Cup semi-finals with a convincing 53-run win (DLS) against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai, eliminating both New Zealand and Sri Lanka from contention. The co-hosts, struggling with three consecutive defeats, had been under pressure to qualify for the knockout stages.

Rain delays briefly disrupted the game, reducing India’s innings to 49 overs and adjusting New Zealand’s target to 325 from 44 overs. Despite the interruptions, India’s top order dominated. Pratika Rawal scored a brilliant 122 off 134 balls, the second-highest of the tournament, while Smriti Mandhana contributed 109 off 95. Jemimah Rodrigues added a rapid 76, helping India post the highest total of the World Cup at 340 for 3.

In reply, New Zealand’s experienced players Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine were dismissed early, leaving the team struggling at 59 for 3. Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze fought back with half-centuries, but the White Ferns could only reach 271 for 8, falling short of India’s total.

Also Read: Australia Sets ODI Record with Historic Chase Against India

With this win, India joins Australia, South Africa, and England in the semi-finals. Even if New Zealand or Sri Lanka win their final matches, India’s three victories in the group stage ensure they remain ahead on the primary qualification criteria.

India’s top-order performance, especially the opening partnership of Mandhana and Rawal, proved decisive, demonstrating their strength and resilience under pressure. The team now gears up for the knockout stages, carrying confidence from a commanding finish to the group round.

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