S Mandhana and Pratika Rawal Rewrite History: India’s Record-Breaking Win Over NZ in Women’s World Cup 2025
India vs NZ WWC 2025: The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup has already witnessed some extraordinary performances, but India’s stunning victory over New Zealand will be remembered for generations. The match, played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, was not just about winning—it was about making a statement. And India did that in style, thanks to two of their brightest stars: Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
From the very first ball, it was clear that India had come prepared to dominate. The pressure was immense—India needed this win to keep their World Cup hopes alive. But rather than showing nerves, Mandhana and Rawal played with the calm of seasoned professionals and the flair of natural match-winners India vs NZ WWC 2025:.
A High-Stakes Clash
India entered the contest after a mixed start to the tournament. A few earlier games hadn’t gone as planned, and critics had started questioning whether the team had the firepower to go deep into the competition. Facing a confident New Zealand side known for their disciplined bowling attack was no easy task. But Smriti Mandhana, India’s most reliable batter, had other plans. Alongside the young sensation Pratika Rawal, she crafted one of the most iconic partnerships in women’s cricket. Together, they took control of the match and never looked back.
India vs NZ WWC 2025: Mandhana’s Masterclass
Smriti Mandhana has long been known for her grace and timing, but what she produced against New Zealand was something special. Her century—scored off just109 runs from 95 balls—was a mix of artistry and aggression. Every shot seemed perfectly planned. Her square drives pierced the gaps, her lofted shots cleared the ropes, and her running between the wickets was electric.
She reached her 14th ODI hundred, equaling some of the biggest names in the history of women’s cricket India vs NZ WWC 2025. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the impact. Mandhana’s calm presence gave the team confidence, her experience guided her partner, and her innings set the tone for a commanding total.
The Rise of Pratika Rawal
If Mandhana was the rock, Pratika Rawal was the storm. The young right-hander played with remarkable maturity, pacing her innings beautifully. She started steady, rotated the strike, and once settled, unleashed her attacking side. Rawal’s 122 runs from 134 balls were filled with elegant boundaries and smart cricketing awareness. Her ability to counter the bowlers—especially New Zealand’s spinners—showed her growing understanding of the game. This was not just a good innings; it was the arrival of a new star in world cricket India vs NZ WWC 2025.
Record-Breaking Partnership
India vs NZ WWC 2025 : Together, Mandhana and Rawal stitched a monumental 212-run opening stand, the highest ever for India in Women’s World Cup history. The two batted for more than 30 overs, punishing anything loose and respecting the good balls. It was the perfect blend of experience and youth, of control and aggression. The partnership didn’t just break records—it broke New Zealand’s morale. Fielders were made to chase leather all around the park. Bowlers tried everything—pace, spin, bouncers—but nothing could stop the Indian juggernaut.
India’s Total and New Zealand’s Response
By the time both openers departed, India had already crossed the 300-run mark. Quick cameos from Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma powered the total to 340 for 3 in their allotted overs. It was one of the biggest totals ever posted by India vs NZ WWC 2025 the Indian women’s team in World Cup history.
New Zealand, known for their fighting spirit, began their chase with hope. But early wickets dented their momentum. India’s bowlers—Renuka Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, and Deepti Sharma—kept the pressure on. Despite some resistance from Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze, the Kiwis could manage only 271 for 8, falling short by 53 runs.
Six Major Records Broken in One Match
- Highest opening partnership for India vs NZ WWC 2025India vs NZ WWC 2025 history (212 runs).
- Smriti Mandhana’s 14th ODI century, the most by an Indian woman.
- Pratika Rawal’s highest individual score in international cricket.
- India’s highest team total (340) in a World Cup match.
- The most boundaries (46) hit by India in a single World Cup innings.
- The first time both openers scored centuries for India in the same match.
Beyond Numbers: The Symbolism of the Win
This victory was about more than just runs or wickets—it was about belief. The partnership between Mandhana and Rawal symbolized the growth of Indian women’s cricket. It showed that the team can perform under pressure, dominate on the global stage, and rewrite records with style.
For Smriti Mandhana, this was another chapter in an already glittering career. For Pratika Rawal, it was a career-defining moment that announced her arrival among the world’s elite. Their camaraderie on the field, their mutual respect, and their hunger to win reflected the new spirit of Indian cricket.
What This Means for India vs NZ WWC 2025
With this victory, India secured a crucial place in the semi-finals and gained massive momentum. The confidence from this game will undoubtedly boost the team’s morale heading into tougher challenges. Coach and selectors have been praising the openers for their discipline and teamwork. The bowlers, too, have found rhythm, and the team looks balanced, confident, and ready to go all the way.
Final Thoughts
The India vs NZ WWC 2025 match in the Women’s World Cup 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable encounters in modern women’s cricket. It was a day when two batters—Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal—combined talent with temperament, aggression with grace, and passion with purpose.
Their record-breaking stand not only gave India a memorable victory but also set the tone for a new era in Indian women’s cricket—one defined by consistency, confidence, and courage. The roar of the crowd, the celebration in the Indian camp, and the smile on the faces of Mandhana and Rawal told the whole story: this was more than a win—it was history in motion.
