Smriti Mandhana was the star of the match as India Women defeated New Zealand Women by 53 runs in Match 24 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The game was played on Thursday, October 23, at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Mandhana smashed a brilliant 109 runs off just 95 balls. Her superb knock helped India post a big total, which proved too much for New Zealand. The visitors were chasing 325 in 44 overs through the DLS method but fell short in the end.
The victory came at an important time for India. The team had lost three consecutive matches earlier — against South Africa, England, and Australia. Thursday’s clash became a must-win contest to stay alive in the race for the semifinals.
Smriti Mandhana’s ton powers India to must-win victory
Mandhana said that the team felt the pressure after losing close games. But she also felt that the experience of handling pressure before the knockouts was helpful.
“When we were on the flight from Indore to Mumbai after losing that sort of close match, it was a really difficult time. We thought we could win and then today making us play like a virtual quarterfinal. But yeah, I mean I wouldn’t really complain because World Cups it’s about peaking at the right time. And playing a knockout match before a knockout match wouldn’t be a bad thing in terms of pressure or taking that pressure,” Smriti told BCCI in an interaction after the match.
Mandhana, now just one century away from equalling the record for most hundreds in Women’s ODIs, said that personal milestones don’t matter much if the team doesn’t win.
“The record would not mean anything if we don’t win. So I mean really happy that I could contribute in a way where we won the match today. The last two matches, getting out in the 80s was a little frustrating. So happy that I could get to the triple figure today,” she said.
The left-hander also praised the DY Patil Stadium, calling it the home of women’s cricket.
“Firstly, the DY Patil Stadium has always been amazing. I feel it’s like a home for women’s cricket now. In the last two or three years, we’ve always had a good environment here. So, I’m really happy that today we got that win and the qualification (Q) in front of our name. I think at least the next two or three days we all can sleep a little better and then get ready for the semis,” she concluded.
ALSO READ ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Breaks Viewership Records in Early Matches
India Women will next face Bangladesh Women on Sunday, October 26, at the same venue in their final league match of the tournament.
