New Delhi: Hosts India stormed into the semi-finals of the Women’s ODI World Cup after defeating New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS method) in the round-robin match at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. With this win, India became the fourth and final team to qualify for the knockout stage, while New Zealand and Sri Lanka were eliminated from the tournament.
Opting to bowl first, New Zealand struggled to contain India’s batters as the hosts posted their highest-ever World Cup total of 340 for 3 in 49 overs. One over was reduced due to rain. Smriti Mandhana scored a fluent 109, Pratika Rawal hit a brilliant 122, and Jemimah Rodriguez added 76 runs to power India to a commanding total.
Under the DLS method, New Zealand were given a revised target of 325 runs in 44 overs. The team lost early wickets and were reduced to 59 for 3. Amelia Kerr tried to rebuild with a 45-run knock, but wickets continued to fall, leaving New Zealand struggling at 154 for 5. Brooke Halliday (81) and Isabelle Gage (65) fought back, yet New Zealand fell short, finishing at 271 for 8.
For India, Kranti Gaur and Renuka Thakur picked up two wickets each, while Sneh Rana, Sri Charani, Deepti Sharma and Pratika Rawal claimed one apiece. Among New Zealand’s bowlers, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mayer and Suzie Bates took one wicket each.
Alongside India, Australia, England and South Africa have also advanced to the semi-finals.
