Yes, you heard it right that India Women have officially qualified for the semi final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Their thrilling win against New Zealand Women at the Wankhede Stadium sealed the final semi-final berth of the tournament.
India defeated New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS method) in a must-win encounter, finishing with six points to become the fourth team in the knockout lineup.
The result ended all qualification debates and sparked celebrations across the Indian dressing room.
Mandhana and Rawal Lead from the Front
The match turned in India’s favour thanks to a magnificent 186-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
Both openers scored stunning centuries — Mandhana made 112 off 98 balls, while Rawal added 105 off 92 balls — setting the tone early.
This partnership not only steadied India’s innings after a poor run in previous matches but also ensured scoreboard pressure on the Kiwis from the start.
Their aggressive yet composed approach helped India post a commanding total of 312/4 in 47 overs before rain intervened.
Bowlers Seal the Deal Under Pressure
After a strong batting show, India Women’s bowlers ensured the team would qualify with a disciplined display.
Renuka Singh struck early, removing Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr within the powerplay, giving India complete control.
Spinners Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad maintained the pressure in the middle overs, taking three wickets each.
New Zealand were bowled out for 259 runs, falling well short of the DLS target, confirming India’s semi-final spot.
What Qualification Means for India Women
With this victory, India Women have qualified for the semi final for the third consecutive ICC event — following their appearances in 2017 and 2022.
This win also ended their three-match losing streak, reviving confidence in a squad that looked shaky earlier in the tournament.
The qualification rule was clear: India needed to win at least three group matches, or match the other contender’s win count.
Their six points put them safely ahead of New Zealand and Sri Lanka, both stuck at four points.
Key Facts Behind India’s Qualification
- Smriti Mandhana became the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament (after Meg Lanning) with 347 runs.
- Pratika Rawal’s maiden century made her the youngest Indian to score a World Cup hundred (aged 20).
- India’s net run rate jumped to +0.624, ensuring they’d qualify even if tied on points.
- Deepti Sharma’s economy rate of 3.80 was the best among all spinners in the group stage.
- India’s 312/4 was the highest team total of this World Cup so far.
What’s Next for Team India?
Now that India Women qualify for the semi final, their focus shifts to the knockout stage against England Women.
The semi-final will be played in Sydney on October 27, with India aiming to avenge their 2022 heartbreak.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s all-round effort, saying:
“We knew this was a do-or-die game. Everyone stood up when it mattered the most. The belief in our dressing room never faded.”
What A Proud Moment for India Women
As India Women have qualified for the semi final, and they did it in style.
From powerful batting to clinical bowling, everything clicked when it mattered most.
Their win over New Zealand wasn’t just a qualification — it was a statement.
With confidence restored and momentum on their side, India Women now look ready to go all the way to the final.
Q: Will India Women qualify for the semi final in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?
Yes, India Women have officially qualified for the semi final after defeating New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS). Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s centuries powered India to 312/4, and the bowlers sealed victory by bowling New Zealand out for 259. With six points and a superior net run rate, India joined Australia, England, and South Africa in the semi finals.
