India secured a commanding 53-run victory over New Zealand via DLS method in the Women's World Cup on Thursday, qualifying for the semi-finals after three consecutive defeats. The win was built on centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, followed by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted New Zealand to 271/8 in 44 overs while chasing a revised target of 325.
Mandhana and Rawal's opening partnership of 212 runs set the platform for India's impressive total of 340/3 in 49 overs. Mandhana scored 109 while Rawal contributed 122 runs.
Jemimah Rodrigues provided late impetus with an unbeaten 76, helping India post their highest total of the tournament.
"It was not easy. 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 happy with how we played," said Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur .
"We were getting started, but unfortunately, we were unable to make it big. Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for taking responsibility. We got a perfect start. When they both scored 200 runs on the board, that is when we decided if we could put Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues) (in at 3). The way she batted, that is what the entire world was expecting from her," Harmanpreet added.
"Whenever you are playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we discuss that this is our home and crowd is always cheering for us. This is a moment to enjoy rather than just putting pressure (on ourselves). Really happy with the way we executed. It was not easy (after three defeats). But everyone in the team stood up. The way we lifted each other shows how positive we were. We knew the last three games did not go well, but we knew we were going to change it. Today was the right time, and I'm really happy (we could do it)."
"We have been doing really well while batting, but bowling is something that I personally feel we have to put ourselves strong. As a bowling unit as well, hopefully we can come together and show a better way," Harmanpreet emphasized.
Player of the Match Mandhana expressed relief after her century: "For sure, big relief in terms of qualifying. The last three games were really tough. We thought we played some good cricket but could not win. Really relieved. Pratika deserved this as much as I do."
"I like pace more than spin for sure, like to dominate pace. It's an important game, a few nerves in the first few overs, trying to give a good start. Saw the scoreboard (we were five off three overs), and I was like, we cannot do that. Just back yourself (after that) and play the ball," Mandhana said.
New Zealand's chase encountered early setbacks with Suzie Bates departing for 1 and captain Sophie Devine falling for 6, leaving them at 59/3 in 11.3 overs.
Amelia Kerr (45) and Brooke Halliday (81) attempted to stabilise the innings with a 56-run partnership. Isabella Gaze contributed with an unbeaten 65.
"We are incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family. Bloody frustrating tournament - would have loved more opportunities to play and with the bat. Credit to them. Target was just too big for us," said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
"Loved the way they (Isabella Gaze and Brooke Halliday) fought and scrapped for us. Could we have gotten closer in 50 overs? Who knows, but gutted. We were outstanding in the power play, contained them well, and stayed on the stumps. 300-320 was on par (on a belter of a surface). It is difficult when you don't take wickets; opposition teams can go hard and be expansive. Our fielding was outstanding (despite dropping a couple of catches). When they have a partnership like that, it's hard to stay in it, but the girls did well. Today was not our day."
India's bowling attack shared the wickets, with Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Goud (2/48) being the most successful. Renuka achieved a milestone by completing 100 international wickets across formats.
For New Zealand, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Rosemary Mair picked up one wicket each but couldn't prevent India from posting a formidable total.
Mandhana and Rawal's opening partnership of 212 runs set the platform for India's impressive total of 340/3 in 49 overs. Mandhana scored 109 while Rawal contributed 122 runs.
Jemimah Rodrigues provided late impetus with an unbeaten 76, helping India post their highest total of the tournament.
"It was not easy. 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 happy with how we played," said Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur .
"We were getting started, but unfortunately, we were unable to make it big. Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for taking responsibility. We got a perfect start. When they both scored 200 runs on the board, that is when we decided if we could put Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues) (in at 3). The way she batted, that is what the entire world was expecting from her," Harmanpreet added.
"Whenever you are playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we discuss that this is our home and crowd is always cheering for us. This is a moment to enjoy rather than just putting pressure (on ourselves). Really happy with the way we executed. It was not easy (after three defeats). But everyone in the team stood up. The way we lifted each other shows how positive we were. We knew the last three games did not go well, but we knew we were going to change it. Today was the right time, and I'm really happy (we could do it)."
"We have been doing really well while batting, but bowling is something that I personally feel we have to put ourselves strong. As a bowling unit as well, hopefully we can come together and show a better way," Harmanpreet emphasized.
Player of the Match Mandhana expressed relief after her century: "For sure, big relief in terms of qualifying. The last three games were really tough. We thought we played some good cricket but could not win. Really relieved. Pratika deserved this as much as I do."
"I like pace more than spin for sure, like to dominate pace. It's an important game, a few nerves in the first few overs, trying to give a good start. Saw the scoreboard (we were five off three overs), and I was like, we cannot do that. Just back yourself (after that) and play the ball," Mandhana said.
New Zealand's chase encountered early setbacks with Suzie Bates departing for 1 and captain Sophie Devine falling for 6, leaving them at 59/3 in 11.3 overs.
Amelia Kerr (45) and Brooke Halliday (81) attempted to stabilise the innings with a 56-run partnership. Isabella Gaze contributed with an unbeaten 65.
"We are incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family. Bloody frustrating tournament - would have loved more opportunities to play and with the bat. Credit to them. Target was just too big for us," said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
"Loved the way they (Isabella Gaze and Brooke Halliday) fought and scrapped for us. Could we have gotten closer in 50 overs? Who knows, but gutted. We were outstanding in the power play, contained them well, and stayed on the stumps. 300-320 was on par (on a belter of a surface). It is difficult when you don't take wickets; opposition teams can go hard and be expansive. Our fielding was outstanding (despite dropping a couple of catches). When they have a partnership like that, it's hard to stay in it, but the girls did well. Today was not our day."
India's bowling attack shared the wickets, with Renuka Singh (2/25) and Kranti Goud (2/48) being the most successful. Renuka achieved a milestone by completing 100 international wickets across formats.
For New Zealand, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Rosemary Mair picked up one wicket each but couldn't prevent India from posting a formidable total.
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