India take semi-final ticket after beating New Zealand by 53 runs in Women's World Cup

Mumbai: India secured a spot in the semifinals of the Women's World Cup with a dominant 53-run win over New Zealand, owed to brilliant centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal at the DY Patil Sports Academy here on Thursday. 

Called to bat first, India posted an impressive total of 340/3 in 49 overs after rain had reduced the match to a 49-over contest. The weather again interrupted the play, and the target for New Zealand was revised to 325 runs in 44 overs, according to the DLS method. 

Despite a spirited chase, New Zealand was restricted to 271/8 in their revised 44 overs, handing India the victory and securing their place in the semifinals. Brooke Halliday top-scored for New Zealand with 81 off 84 balls, while Isabella Gaze made a 51-ball 65.

Earlier, Jemimah Rodrigues blazed away to an unbeaten 55-ball 76 after the duo of Mandhana and Pratika added 212 runs at a brisk rate to lay a solid foundation for their team, which came into this game following three defeats on the trot, and was under pressure.

Mandhana slammed 109 in 95 balls, while Pratika scored 122 in 134 deliveries. This is India's highest total in World Cups.

The win over the White Ferns lifted India to six points from three victories as the tournament co-hosts joined defending champions Australia, England and South Africa in the last four.

Brief scores:

India: 340/3 in 49 overs (Smriti Mandhana 109, Pratika Rawal 122, Jemimah Rodrigues 76).
New Zealand: 271/8 in 44 overs (Brooke Halliday 81, Isabella Gaze 65 not out; Renuka Singh Thakur 2/25).