Mandhana and Rawal Smash Records as India Seal Semi-Final Spot

India 340-3 (49 overs): Rawal 122 (134), Mandhana 109 (95); Bates 1-40

New Zealand 271-8 (44 overs): Halliday 81 (84); Renuka 2-25

India won by 53 runs (DLS method)

A 53-run victory (DLS) over New Zealand in Navi Mumbai gave India a place in the semi-finals, which practically ended the campaign for New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The co-host (Sri Lanka) failed to qualify for the top four for the third time in four tournaments. 

On four points, also, New Zealand had lost ground to the weather. They had won only one of their first three matches, and the next two were abandoned due to rain.

Rain again interrupted play. The 90-minute delay in the Indian innings reduced the game to 49 overs per side. Soon, a temporary interruption reduced New Zealand's chase to 325 runs in 44 overs. India had led in all the stages despite the delays. 

The 2nd-best score in the tournament, 122 off 134 balls by Pratika Rawal and 109 off 95 balls by Smriti Mandhana, gave India 340-3, which is the highest score they made in this World Cup. With that win, India secured the last semi-final spot, joining Australia, South Africa, and England.

Even if New Zealand and Sri Lanka win their remaining matches and India loses to Bangladesh, they can’t make it to the semi-finals.

Mandhana and Rawal created an eye-catching opening stand of 212, which proved too difficult for New Zealand’s bowlers to break. The strong base enabled Jemimah Rodrigues to get a quick 76 from 55 balls, thus contributing to the Indian total. 

In response, the upper order in New Zealand fell early (59-3). Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze tried to stabilise the innings through half-centuries. The 50 of Gaze was achieved on just 39 balls, and gave brief hope to New Zealand, while the run rate needed was still increasing. 

Renuka Singh guided India to disciplined bowling with 2 for 25, and the White Ferns had ended at 271-8 in 44 overs. India delivered a complete performance, and with their aggressive openers leading the way, they secured their place in the knockout with one game to spare.