Thu Oct 23 15:30:00 UTC 2025: India Sets Massive Target for New Zealand Before Rain Disrupts Play in Women’s World Cup

Navi Mumbai, India – In a crucial ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match, India Women posted a formidable 340/3 in 49 overs against New Zealand Women at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The game was initially reduced to 49 overs due to rain, and further shortened to 44 overs with a revised target of 325 for New Zealand, using the Duckworth-Lewis method, after another rain interruption.

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to field. India’s innings was highlighted by stellar centuries from openers Smriti Mandhana (109 off 95 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes) and Pratika Rawal (122 off 134 balls, with 13 fours). The pair forged a record-breaking 212-run partnership, the highest for India in Women’s World Cups, surpassing Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s previous record of 184. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a blistering unbeaten 76 off 55 balls, notching her maiden World Cup half-century.

New Zealand’s chase started poorly, losing Suzie Bates early to Kranti Gaur. Renuka Singh struck twice, dismissing both प्लीमर and Sophie Devine, leaving the kiwis at 63-3. With the required run rate climbing, एमिला केर and हेलिडे attempted a recovery, but Kerr was eventually caught by Mandhana off स्नेह राणा’s bowling for 45.

As of latest updates, New Zealand reached 115/4 in 21 overs, requiring 210 runs from 23 overs.

For India, a victory would significantly boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals. However, a loss would leave their qualification hopes hanging on England’s result against New Zealand. Prior to the game, India made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Jemimah Rodrigues in place of Amanjot Kaur.

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