Women Cricket World Cup: It’s a big relief, says Mandhana after India storms into semifinal

By Admin

24 Oct, 2025

India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana expressed immense relief after the team booked a spot in the Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinals, following a crucial 53-run victory over New Zealand via the DLS method in a rain-affected clash on Thursday, October 23, 2025. This win was especially significant as it came after India endured three consecutive losses, having started the tournament as one of the favourites.

“For sure, it's a big relief in terms of qualifying. The last three games were really tough. We thought we played some good cricket but just couldn't win, so this is really relieving,” Mandhana said during the post-match presentation.

The match saw a brilliant batting performance from the Indian openers. Mandhana herself smashed 109, marking her fifth century of the calendar year, while opening partner Pratika Rawal scored her maiden World Cup hundred, remaining unbeaten on 122. The duo combined for a record 212-run partnership for the first wicket, propelling India to 340/3 in 49 overs, the team’s highest total in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing the 330 they posted against Australia in Visakhapatnam earlier in the tournament.

Due to rain, the target was revised to 325 in 44 overs for New Zealand, who managed 271/8. Mandhana, adjudged player of the match, graciously shared the spotlight, saying, “Pratika deserved this as much as I do.”

Speaking about the synergy with Pratika, Mandhana added, “We've been asked this question for the last eight months, and I don't think either of us can answer it perfectly. But we're similar people   we both just want to do the job for the team. We don't talk a lot in the middle. She's a good anchor and really allows me to play my natural game. When she gets going, I can chip in with the anchor role. That really works for us. We understand that when one person is going, the other can just focus on rotating the strike.”

India’s journey in the tournament had seen ups and downs. After initial victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the team faced setbacks against South Africa, Australia, and England. Mandhana reflected on the mental approach, saying, “I back myself to play a longer innings once I get to 20. In World Cups, you have to leave a lot of things behind. If you are in form, you need to keep going and not complicate things   that's what I kept telling myself. I'm feeling good, and that's what matters.”

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s resilience, noting, “Credit goes to the entire team for the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was, the entire team was charged up, and I am happy with how we played today. Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for the way they took responsibility. We got a very good start.”

On the pressure of performing at home, Kaur added, “Whenever you are playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we discuss that this is our home and the crowd is always cheering for us. This is a moment to enjoy rather than just putting pressure on ourselves.”

For New Zealand, it was a frustrating outing. White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine said, “We are incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family. Frustrating tournament   would have loved more opportunities to play and with the bat. Credit to them. Target was just too big for us.”

With the semifinal berth secured, India now looks forward to the knockout stage with renewed confidence, aiming to turn their promising start into a home World Cup triumph.