The second innings of the India Women vs New Zealand Women World Cup 2025 clash has been delayed due to persistent rain and wet outfield conditions at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, despite the first innings finishing with India posting a strong total of 340/3 in 49 overs.
What happened during the delay
After India’s commanding batting display led by centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, followed by a quickfire 76 from Jemimah Rodrigues, the stage was set for the chase. However, shortly after the innings break, rain returned, forcing umpires to call for covers again.
At 8:00 pm local time, light drizzle resumed, halting preparations for the restart. Though it wasn’t heavy enough to stop players from warming up, conditions on the outfield remained slippery in patches. The umpires and ground staff have been actively inspecting the field, with multiple rounds of cover removal and reapplication since 6:20 pm.
By 8:13 pm, the umpires had walked out to inspect conditions, and there was cautious optimism that play could resume soon. However, at 8:17 pm, officials were still in talks with both captains about safety concerns, indicating the restart could face further delay.
DLS and match adjustments
If play resumes, the match will likely continue under revised conditions using the DLS method, with just one over lost—reducing the chase to 49 overs. Given the minimal adjustment, New Zealand’s target remains challenging on a pitch that has continued to offer excellent batting conditions throughout the day.
India’s dominant batting display
Earlier, India produced one of their finest batting performances of the tournament. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal built a record 212-run partnership, both registering brilliant centuries that set the tone for a mammoth total. Jemimah Rodrigues provided the finishing flourish with a blazing 76 off 55 balls, proving her worth after being dropped from the previous game.
What’s next
With India already on the verge of securing a semifinal berth, every minute of delay adds pressure on the organizers to ensure enough time remains for a complete second innings. For now, all eyes are on the skies and the umpire’s next inspection.
