Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal power India into ICC Women's World Cup semi-finals

Centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set up a record-breaking total before India's bowlers sealed a 53-run win via the DLS method in a rain-affected contest.

Asked to bat first, Mandhana and Rawal were cautious early on as New Zealand's seamers found movement with the new ball. The openers soon found their rhythm, guiding India to 40 without loss at the end of the powerplay. Rawal targeted Lea Tahuhu in particular, striking three fours in quick succession, while Mandhana began to dominate the spinners as India accelerated.

The pair shared a magnificent 212-run opening stand, the highest in Women's World Cup history, before Mandhana fell shortly after completing her 14th ODI hundred from 88 balls.

Rawal followed with her own century off 122 deliveries, continuing her fine form in the tournament. Jemimah Rodrigues added a fluent unbeaten 76 off 55 balls, ensuring India reached an imposing 340 for three. Rain interruptions reduced New Zealand's target to 325 from 44 overs.

New Zealand's chase never truly gathered pace. Kranti Goud struck early to remove Suzie Bates, and Renuka Singh's double blow, dismissing Georgia Plimmer and captain Sophie Devine, left the White Ferns reeling at 59 for three. Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday briefly revived hopes with a brisk 56-run partnership, but Sneh Rana's timely breakthrough halted their momentum.

Halliday's spirited 81 and Isabella Gaze's unbeaten 65 kept New Zealand fighting, yet the required rate proved too steep. India's bowlers held their nerve under wet conditions to complete a convincing win and end a three-match losing run.

With the result, India became the fourth and final team to book their place in the semi-finals, while Mandhana's record-breaking innings once again underlined her status as one of the most dependable performers in women's cricket.

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