India Women made a strong start in their crucial ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, reaching 51/0 in 11.3 overs after being asked to bat first.
Openers Smriti Mandhana (25 off 31) and Pratika Rawal (20 off 38) stitched together their 15th fifty-plus partnership in just 23 innings, underlining their consistency at the top. The pair now sit just behind the legendary duo Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, who hold the record with 18 fifty-plus stands in 56 innings for India across all wickets in the format.
Mandhana looked fluent early, striking two boundaries and a six, while Rawal displayed patience against the new ball, settling in to anchor the innings. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine had opted to field first, hoping to exploit early conditions, but the Indian openers have so far blunted the new-ball attack effectively.
With both batters looking well set, India will aim to build on this platform and post a strong total in this virtual semifinal decider, as both sides are tied on four points in the group stage.
At 11.3 overs: India Women – 51/0 (Mandhana 25, Rawal 20)**
Partnership: 51 (69 balls)
