Women Cricket World Cup: Its an enormous reduction, says Mandhana after India storms into semifinal

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Thursday (October 23, 2025) described qualifying for the Women’s World Cup semifinals as “a big relief,” because the crew bounced again from three successive defeats after beginning the match as one of many favourites.

India grew to become the final crew to qualify for the semifinals, becoming a member of Australia, South Africa and England, following a 53-run win over New Zealand by way of the DLS technique in a rain-affected recreation right here.

“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 stated on the post-match presentation.

The fashionable left-handed batter smashed 109, her fifth century of the calendar yr, whereas opening accomplice Pratika Rawal notched her maiden World Cup hundred, scoring 122.

The duo shared a report 212-run partnership for the primary wicket, main India to 340/3 in 49 overs, their highest complete within the Women’s World Cup, surpassing the 330 they made in opposition to Australia in Visakhapatnam earlier within the match.

The goal was revised to 325 in 44 overs after one other rain delay, and the 2000 version champions managed 271/8.

Mandhana, adjudged participant of the match, stated Pratika deserved the award as a lot as she did. “Pratika deserved this as much as I do.”

On batting with Pratika and why it really works so properly, she stated, “We’ve been requested this query for the final eight months, and I do not assume both of us can reply it completely.

“But we’re related individuals — we each simply need to do the job for the crew. We do not discuss rather a lot within the center.

“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 had hit a roadblock after wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, dropping to South Africa, Australia, after which England.

“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.” Overcoming the anxious moments following three defeats was not simple, stated skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

“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,” Harmanpreet stated.

On the strain of enjoying a house World Cup, she stated, “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.”

Frustrating match for New Zealand

Having endured three losses from six video games, White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine termed it a irritating match.

“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,” stated Devine.