Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal etched their names in the record books on Thursday, October 23, 2025, as their remarkable partnership propelled India into the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The dynamic opening duo achieved a feat unmatched in 37 years, setting the stage for India's dominant victory over New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
The significance of Mandhana and Rawal's achievement lies in their exceptional 212-run partnership for the first wicket, a record-breaking stand that became the highest for any wicket for India in Women's World Cups, eclipsing the previous record of 184 runs. More importantly, this was only the third instance of a 200-plus score by an opening pair in the history of the Women's Cricket World Cup, marking a resurgence of such partnerships after nearly four decades. The last time such a feat was achieved was in 1988.
India, after winning against New Zealand, have sealed their spot in the semi-finals alongside Australia, South Africa, and England.
The match began with New Zealand winning the toss and electing to bowl. However, their decision soon backfired as Mandhana and Rawal exhibited sublime form, establishing a strong foundation for the Indian innings. Mandhana, known for her aggressive stroke play, notched up her 14th century in ODIs, scoring 109 off 95 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes. Rawal, on the other hand, played a more composed innings, anchoring the innings with a well-deserved century, her first in the World Cup, scoring 122 off 134 balls.
Their formidable partnership not only set a new benchmark for Indian opening pairs but also provided the platform for India to post a formidable total of 340/3 in 49 overs, their highest score in the tournament. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a quickfire 76* off 55 balls, further propelling the score.
The New Zealand chase was hampered by rain interruptions, resulting in a revised target of 325 in 44 overs, as per the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Despite a resilient effort from Brooke Halliday, who scored 81, and Izzy Gaze, the New Zealanders could only manage 271/8 in their allotted overs. Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud picked up two wickets each, leading a disciplined Indian bowling attack that ensured a 53-run victory.
Smriti Mandhana was named player of the match for her brilliant century and her role in the record-breaking opening stand. "It is a big relief qualifying for the knockouts," Mandhana said after the match. "The last three games were really tough — we played good cricket, but we did not win. Pratika deserves this award as much as I do and I am a little surprised. She is a good anchor and allows me to play my natural game".
This win snaps India's three-match losing streak. With this victory, India now joins Australia, England, and South Africa in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. India will play the second semi-final on October 30 at the DY Patil Stadium.
