Finally, India Women delivered a much-needed victory, as the hosts have qualified for the Semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 after beating New Zealand Women by 53 runs (DLS method) at Navi Mumbai on Thursday (October 23). 

It was a must-win game for both teams, especially for the New Zealand Women, to strongly battle for the last remaining spot for the Semi-finals in the tournament. If India Women would win the match, they would confirm the Semi-finals ticket, and if New Zealand Women would win the match, they would have the upper hand for the Semi-finals qualification. 

New Zealand Women sent India Women to bat first, who scored 340/3 in 49 overs. New Zealand had a revised target of 325 runs in 44 overs, while the White Ferns fought hard and managed to score 271/8 in 44 overs.

See Also: Smriti Mandhana records second most Women's ODI centuries during IND-W vs NZ-W in Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Indian openers had 212-run partnership

Indian openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana set a massive 212-run partnership for the first wicket, which was India Women's first-ever 200+ partnership in the Women's Cricket World Cup history. Both the openers scored centuries, as Smriti hit an 88-ball century and Pratika recorded a 122-ball hundred. While Smriti scored 109 off 95 balls (10 fours and four sixes), Pratika scored 122 off 134 balls (13 fours and two sixes).

Later, Jemimah Rodrigues came to bat at no.3 on her return, as she was dropped for the last game, and played a powerful knock of 76 not out from just 55 balls with the help of 11 fours. 

It was a very hard day for the White Ferns bowlers, as they were really expensive. Only Rosemary Mair (1/52), Amelia Kerr (1/69), and Suzie Bates (1/40) managed to pick up any wickets.

India Women bowlers always in control

In reply, New Zealand Women's battle was never enough to chase the mammoth record-breaking target. Also, they lost wickets at regular intervals, as there was hardly any strong momentum for them. While the opener Georgia Plimmer (30) and Amelia Kerr (45) provided a better start after losing the wicket of Suzie Bates (1) in the second over, Brooke Halliday (81) and Isabella Gaze (65*) impressed with their late batting performances.

All six Indian bowlers managed to pick up at least one wicket. The pacers Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Goud (2/48) got two wickets each, while Sneh Rana (1/60), Shree Charani (1/58), Deepti Sharma (1/57), and Pratika Rawal (1/19) picked up one wicket each. 




 

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana is in great form with the bat and slammed a memorable century on Thursday (October 23) in the crucial match against New Zealand Women at Navi Mumbai in the league stage of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. 

After New Zealand Women sent India Women to bat first, Indian openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana provided the team's record-breaking partnership in the competition history by setting up a 212-run partnership for the first wicket. Mandhana completed her 14th WODI century and third Women's Cricket World Cup century in 88 balls. She scored 109 off 95 balls with 10 fours and four sixes. 

See Also: Smriti Mandhana celebrates new record in WODIs during Women’s World Cup 2025

Smriti Mandhana records second-most Women's ODI centuries

The century was Smriti Mandhana's 14th WODI century as she recorded the second-most WODI hundreds. Below, we have brought some top records of the latest memorable century of Smriti. 

Second most WODI centuries

With her 14th WODI hundred, Smriti became the second most centurion in Women's ODI cricket history, as she surpassed Suzie Bates' 13 WODI centuries. Meg Lanning holds the record with 15 WODI hundreds. 

Joint most WODI centuries in a calendar year

With five WODI centuries in 2025, Smriti equalled the record for most WODI centuries in a calendar year, while the South African cricketer Tazmin Brits has set this record this year.

Joint most centuries by an Indian in Women's ODI World Cup

Smriti recorded her third century in the Women's ODI World Cup. After Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti became the second Indian to record three centuries in the Women's ODI World Cup.

Joint second most WODI centuries against New Zealand Women

With her third WODI hundred against New Zealand Women, Smriti equaled Australian Karen Rolton's three WODI centuries record against the White Ferns. Australian Meg Lanning holds this record with six WODI centuries against New Zealand Women. 

Second most WODI centuries at home

With her seventh WODI hundred, Smriti recorded the second most Women's ODI centuries at home. Only the English cricketer Tammy Beaumont is ahead of Smriti in this record with her 10 WODI centuries at home. 

The 25-year-old Indian opening batter Pratika Rawal provided a strong start with her opening partner Smriti Mandhana for India Women in their crucial match against New Zealand Women in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, as both teams are desperate for a win to stay in the Semi-finals spot battle strongly. 

Navi Mumbai is hosting this crucial league stage match of the tournament, where India Women were sent to bat first. India Women got a solid start as both the openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana hit half-centuries, and they are carrying on the innings strongly.

Pratika needed 12 runs in the match to reach 1000 Women's ODI runs, and she comfortably reached the milestone. The Indian opener reached the milestone in 23 innings, as she equaled the record for the fastest 1000 runs in Women's ODI history. Lindsay Reeler, the first Australian Women to complete 1000 Women's ODI runs, was previously holding this record alone as she reached the milestone in 23 innings. 

See Also: Smriti Mandhana celebrates new record in WODIs during Women’s World Cup 2025

Fastest to complete 1000 Women's ODI runs

• Lindsay Reeler (Australia Women): 23 innings
• Pratika Rawal (India Women): 23 innings
• Nicole Bolton (Australia Women): 25 innings
• Meg Lanning (Australia Women): 25 innings
• Belinda Clark (Australia Women): 27 innings
• Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Women): 27 innings

Pratika Rawal impressed in first World Cup

In the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Pratika Rawal provided some good starts for her team. In the first three matches, she was dismissed for 30s (37 vs Sri Lanka Women, 31 vs Pakistan Women, 37 vs South Africa Women). Against Australia, while the Indian openers had a 155-run partnership, Pratika scored 75 runs. Against England Women, while India Women were chasing the 289-run target, Pratika was dismissed cheaply for only six runs. He once again provided a solid start against New Zealand Women on Thursday. 

It is the pressure time for the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, as India Women are set to face New Zealand Women in almost their do-or-die game in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, as both teams are fighting for the only remaining spots of the Semi-finals along with co-hosts Sri Lanka Women. Hosts India Women are in the present situation due to losing the last three close games; the Indian skipper is under immense pressure. However, the Indian head coach Amol Muzumdar has defended the skipper before India Women's most important match in the league stage of the tournament. 

See Also: 'Got everything they ever demanded...' - Fans frustrated after India Women suffer thriller defeat in IND-W vs ENG-W in Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

India Women earn four points after five matches

While India Women started the tournament strongly by beating Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women by 59 runs (DLS method) and 88 runs, respectively, they lost their last three games against South Africa Women, Australia Women, and England Women by three wickets, three wickets, and four runs, respectively. If India Women win both the remaining matches against New Zealand Women and Bangladesh Women, they will comfortably advance to the Semi-finals, but they have to win these matches first. Meanwhile, another defeat means that the Semi-finals qualification won't be totally in their hands. 

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has faced massive criticism along with the team management for their recent struggle to win the match, mainly due to a lack of finishing skills and poor planning.

She's been leading fantastically: Indian head coach about the skipper Harmanpreet Kaur 

Meanwhile, before their last game against England Women, where Harmanpreet Kaur scored a run-a-ball 70, the Indian skipper struggled to play good knocks in the tournament. However, the head coach is confident with the skipper.

Muzumdar said, “I don’t think it is about any kind of pressure. She’s been leading fantastically. If you look at her record in bilateral series before this World Cup, it’s been outstanding. She has guided the team through different challenges and done remarkably well. Yes, she got into her groove last game and could have converted that start into a hundred, which would have been ideal. But knowing Harman, she’s put in the hard yards, and hopefully it all clicks in the next couple of games.”

Navi Mumbai will host India Women's remaining two league stage matches against New Zealand Women and Bangladesh Women, on Thursday (October 23) and Sunday (October 26). 

Hosts India Women suffered another close defeat in a thriller against England Women in the fifth round of the league stage in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. While the India Women lost the game from a very comfortable position, the Indian cricket fans have revealed their frustration with women's cricket on social media. 

After winning the first two games of the tournament against Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women by 59 runs (DLS method) and 88 runs, respectively, India Women suffered two close defeats against South Africa Women and the defending champions Australia Women, both by three wickets. As the hosts are fighting for the Semi-final spot in the tournament, their match against England Women at Indore on Sunday (October 19) was very important. 

After England Women chose to bat first, they scored 288/8 in 50 overs, while Heather Knight scored 109 runs off 91 balls with 15 fours and one six. While it was India Women's record chase in the format, Smriti Mandhana (88), skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (70), and Deepti Sharma (50) guided the team to a comfortable position in the game. 

Fans can't accept India Women's failure to score 56 runs off 54 balls while having 7 wickets in hand

In the last nine overs of the game, India Women needed 56 runs and seven wickets in hand, while the pitch was really in favour of the batters. Despite a continuous fight, the India Women lost the game by four runs, as they scored 284/6 in 50 overs. This defeat has put India Women in danger of early elimination from the tournament, especially if they fail to beat New Zealand Women in their next game. Many fans can't accept the latest defeat, as the match was dropped despite taking control of the game, while this defeat has put the hosts in a do-or-die position in the competition.   

The burst of frustration

It’s the case of authority with no accountability, as far as the Indian women’s team or women’s cricket in India is concerned.

They’ve got everything they ever demanded (may be deserved), but what have they offered in return?

Once this Women’s World Cup is over, heads need to…

— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) October 19, 2025

India Women's Lose from Here 😳😳@CricCrazyJohns #IndianCricket #CWC25 #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/mvRQOfTMx0

— Hussain 804 (@hmwrites_07) October 19, 2025

I never comment on sports, but today, as I watched #India vs #England ICC WOMEN WORLD CUP match, I genuinely felt that many Indian players lacked #Stamina, #MusclePower & #KillerInstinct. Some looked Malnourished. Last Over batting was a JOKE. Time for @BCCI to apply some mind.

— Pathikrit Payne (@live_pathikrit) October 19, 2025

Not Feeling Sad For India 🇮🇳 Women's Team But Actually Feeling Very Sad For Indore Crowd, They Cheerished Throughout the Game for India 🇮🇳 India 🇮🇳. But This W Team Always Disappointed Just Like Previous 2024 T20 World Cup. #Cricket #Deepotsav2025 #INDWvsENGW #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/1IkgEEl1jQ

— Crick Momentum (@Crick_Momentum) October 19, 2025

From 2017 to 2025 nothing has changed in Indian women's cricket
They don't have a good striker at the end other than Richa to finish matches and they can't even chase 7rpo in last 10 overs
Just lose vs kiwis and give a chance for the deserving to semis#IndvsEng#CWC25 pic.twitter.com/7ub4ql5jIw

— Ganesh (@4evrRCB) October 19, 2025

Special effort from India women in losing needing 71 off 72 with 7 wickets in hand & the worst part is they lost by only losing 6 wickets. Now they have lost to all the big teams they have played & beaten only minnows . Absolutely shameful performance so far on a home WC #CWC25

— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan)October 19, 2025

India’s women cricket team are the biggest chokers I have seen in cricket. What a shit team and shitty performance they display, always…!!!!

— Beerwala .!!! (@Kaskpakdo) October 19, 2025

Indian women's cricket never misses a chance to disappoint.Needed 55 from 54 balls with 8 wickets in hand and lost the game.This is what happens when u try to create celebrity culture in the team and dont pick players on merit.They did the same against England in the final years…

— Rohit Mundra (@RohitMu91645791) October 19, 2025

The rare support

The reactions from some "journalists" to today's loss for the India Women's side is truly insane.

Be upset as a fan, sure. Stop acting like the world ended and everything the Women's team has achieved is worthless.

Its a bad tournament. It happens. Calm the hell down.

— The Best of Cricket (@bestcricstories) October 19, 2025

A curse date!

19th really got a curse on Indian cricket.
Men lost today, women lost too, and the 2023 World Cup final was also on a 19th.
Same date, same pain.

— Yashika (@Yashuwuuu) October 19, 2025

While India Women suffered another close defeat in the thriller against England Women at their fifth round match in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Deepti Sharma played a memorable all-rounder role, which created history for India Women in the competition. 

England Women chose to bat first at Indore on Sunday (October 19) and they scored 288/8 in 50 overs. Indian off-spinner Deepti Sharma was the best bowler for India Women as she had the bowling figures of 10-0-51-4. She got a wicket in her first over of the match, which completed her 150 Women's ODI wickets, and she controlled the first innings really well, especially the crucial slog overs, as England Women failed to reach the 300-run mark.

Chasing down the target, while Smriti Mandhana (88) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (70) set the strong momentum, Deepti Sharma controlled the next situation well, as she also scored a half-century. Before losing her wicket in the business end of the game, Deepti scored 50 off 57 balls with five fours. 

See Also: Harmanpreet Kaur reaches special milestone during IND-W vs ENG-W in Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Deepti Sharma became first Indian to record 50 runs and 4 wickets in the same Women's World Cup match

Deepti became the first Indian and fourth overall cricketer to record at least 50 runs and four wickets in the same match of Women's Cricket World Cup history. Meanwhile, the all-rounder also became the second Indian cricketer to achieve these similar all-round feats in a Women's ODI match.

Jemimah Rodrigues: 1st Indian to record 50 runs and 4 wickets in the same WODI match

Jemimah Rodrigues was the first Indian to record these when she scored 86 runs and also recorded four for only three runs with the ball against Bangladesh Women at Mirpur in 2023, which India Women won by 108 runs. 

In the same Women's World Cup 2025 match against England Women, Deepti became the fourth cricketer and first Indian to record at least 2500 runs and 150 wickets in Women's ODI history, when she became the second Indian to record 150 WODI wickets. 

Four-time champions and the last-time runners-up England Women have booked their place for the Semi-finals of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 after beating the hosts India Women by four runs, as the hosts are now under pressure, as there is only one spot remaining for the Semi-finals of the tournament.

India Women had a 289-run target against England Women, as the win would be very helpful for India Women to put one step ahead in the Semi-finals qualification. While it was India Women's record Women's ODI chase, Smriti Mandhana (88), skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (70), and Deepti Sharma's (50) brilliant batting performances put the hosts in a comfortable position in the chase. However, the hosts lost the momentum in the slog overs and suffered a four-run defeat in the thriller. 

See Also: Qualification scenario of India for Semi Final in ongoing Women ODI World Cup 2025

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025: England Women became 3rd team to book Semi-finals spot

With this crucial win, England Women maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament, as they have earned nine points after five games, with four wins and one no result. While Australia Women and England Women are the only unbeaten teams in the tournament, the English side became the third team to book a Semi-final spot after Australia Women and South Africa Women secured the places.

With nine points after five matches (four wins and one no result), Australia Women are leading the points table, while England Women are in second position. Meanwhile, South Africa Women are in third place with eight points after five games (four wins and one loss). 

India Women vs New Zealand Women: Do-or-die match for both teams

Now the hosts India Women are under pressure with four points after five matches, with two wins and three losses. While they are in the fourth position, New Zealand Women are in the fifth place with four points after five games, but one win, two losses, and two no results. On Thursday (October 23), India Women will face New Zealand Women, which will be the must-win game for both teams to qualify for the Semis, as only one spot is available and both teams are challenging strongly for the spot.

Bangladesh Women, Sri Lanka Women, and Pakistan Women all have two points each, as they are in the last three places, respectively. However, Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women both are searching for their first win in the tournament.  

In the key game of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 against the four-time champions England Women, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur found her form as she scored a crucial half-century, while she also reached a special milestone in the tournament history with her memorable batting performance. 

Chasing down the 289-run target, which is the record chase for India Women, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur came to bat when India Women were struggling at 42/2. From the challenging situation, Indian opener Smriti Mandhana and the no.4 batter Harmanpreet Kaur set up the crucial 125-run partnership off 122 balls for the third wicket that put the hosts into a better position in the challenging chase. 

WATCH: Harmanpreet Kaur's brilliant ends Nat Sciver's innings in IND-W vs ENG-W in Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Harmanpreet Kaur became second Indian to score 1000 runs in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

Kaur scored a run-a-ball 70 after completing her 50 runs in 54 balls. She hit 10 fours in that crucial innings. After completing her 53 runs in that innings, Kaur completed her 1000 runs in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. After Mithali Raj (1321 runs), Kaur became the second Indian to record 1000+ runs in the competition's history. Meanwhile, Kaur became the seventh batter in the tournament's history to score 1000+ runs, as she scored 1017 runs in the competition at the end of her latest innings.

Harmanpreet Kaur recorded her eighth 50+ score in Women's ODI World Cup

On the other hand, it was Kaur's eighth 50+ score in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup history, who scored three centuries in this competition history. She is only behind Mithali Raj among the Indians with the most 50+ scores in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup history, while Mithali recorded it 13 times. Smriti Mandhana is chasing Kaur, as Mandhana's half-century in the game was her seventh 50+ score in the tournament's history. 

While Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt raised the headache in the Indian camp with a solid century partnership for the third wicket, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur's brilliant catch ended the English skipper's innings.

Sunday (October 19) is crucial for India Women as the hosts are facing England Women at Indore in the league stage of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, where the Women in Blues need to win the remaining three matches to confidently reach the Semi-finals of the tournament. 

Heather Knight and skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt set a strong partnership

After England Women chose to bat first, their openers produced a solid start with a 73-run partnership. While both the openers were dismissed before the total reached the 100-run mark, Heather Knight and skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt built a steady partnership to control the innings.

While Knight was going smoothly, Sciver-Brunt was also confidently growing her innings. They hardly produced any chances, as the run-rate was slowly climbing, thanks to both the reputed English batters. As their partnership crossed the three-figure mark, it was frustrating for the Indian team. As the slog overs were coming, a wicket was much needed for the hosts.

See Also: Deepti Sharma creates Women's ODI history for India Women in IND-W vs ENG-W in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur's brilliant catch ended English skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt's innings

The wait was finally over in the 39th over, as Shree Charani produced the wicket for India Women, while the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur grabbed a brilliant catch to dismiss the English skipper. Nat Sciver-Brunt made a room and tried to go over the cover, where the Indian captain was standing, but Kaur reacted brilliantly to take that catch, as England Women lost their third wicket for 211 runs. It was the 113-run partnership for the third wicket, where Sciver-Brunt was dismissed for 38 runs off 49 balls. It was Shree Charani's first wicket of the match after a tough start in the game. 

A huge moment in the game! 🙌🏻

Just when England seemed in control, Harmanpreet Kaur’s stunning catch breaks the stand & Nat Sciver-Brunt departs! 💥

Catch the LIVE action ➡https://t.co/WF0rXIHjl8#CWC25 👉 #INDvENG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/idqafd4x0p

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 19, 2025

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma started the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 league stage match against England Women strongly with a wicket in her first over, as it was her 150th Women's ODI wicket. 

Indore is hosting crucial India Women vs England Women match on Sunday (October 19), where England Women chose to bat first after winning the toss. Although the Indian team didn't get an early wicket, they were very disciplined as the boundaries weren't coming easily. 

England Women had a cautious but useful 73-run partnership for the first wicket, while the Indian team missed a review chance to dismiss the struggling opener Tammy Beaumont. Luckily, that decision didn't cost the hosts much, as they got the breakthrough just after the first drinks break of the innings.

Once again, Deepti Sharma proved her value as the off-spinner produced India's first wicket of the match in her first over. On the final ball of the 16th over of the innings, Deepti delivered a fuller to the leg stump, while Tammy Beaumont completely missed that and lost her wicket. She was dismissed for 22 runs in 43 balls, while Deepti Sharma completed her 150 Women's ODI wickets.

.@Deepti_Sharma06 wastes no time! 🔥

She picks up her 150th ODI wicket, and a well-set Tammy Beaumont has to walk back! 👏

Catch the LIVE action ➡https://t.co/WF0rXIHRaG#CWC25 👉 #INDvENG | LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/BGhRwSUgtU

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 19, 2025

See Also: Cricket Meets Melody! Smriti Mandhana Reportedly Engaged to 30-Year-Old Music Composer from Indore

Deepti Sharma became first Indian spinner to complete 150 WODI wickets

Deepti became the second Indian bowler, after the legendary pacer Jhulan Goswami, who is the leading Women's ODI wicket-taker with 255 wickets, to complete 150 wickets in Women's ODI format. Meanwhile, she became the 10th bowler and fourth spinner to achieve this feat in this format. 

There is another feat Deepti has achieved, as she became the first Indian and fourth cricketer to achieve the all-round feat of 2500 runs and 150 wickets in Women's ODI cricket.

Cricketers with 2500 runs and 150 wickets in Women's ODI

• 4414 runs + 166 wickets: Ellyse Perry (Australia Women)
• 5873 runs + 155 wickets: Stafanie Taylor (West Indies Women)
• 3397 runs + 172 wickets: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa Women)
• 2607 runs + 150 wickets: Deepti Sharma (India Women)