Did Jhulan Goswami Just Praise India's Semi-Final Qualification?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter, India clinched their semi-final spot in the Women’s World Cup with a brilliant performance against New Zealand. Jhulan Goswami's commendation highlights the team's resilience and skill. Discover how Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal's record partnership led India to victory.
Key Takeaways
- India's victory secured their place in the Women's World Cup semi-finals.
- Jhulan Goswami praised the team's performance and record partnership.
- Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal achieved a historic opening partnership.
- Jemimah Rodrigues contributed significantly with a strong batting performance.
- The Indian bowlers effectively restricted New Zealand's score.
New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) Former Indian bowler Jhulan Goswami praised Team India following their impressive 53-run win against New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. This match was crucial for both teams, as their hopes of reaching the semi-finals were hanging by a thread. With this victory, the Women in Blue eliminated the White Ferns from contention for the last spot in the top four.
Jhulan, who ended her international cricket career in 2022 after her final match against England at Lord's, commended the team's efforts, highlighting the remarkable opening partnership and centuries by Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
The legendary pacer, who holds the record for the highest number of wickets in women’s international cricket with 355 across all formats, shared on X, “Outstanding performance, India! @mandhana_smriti and @PratikaRawal64 were exceptional, achieving a historic 212-run opening partnership, the highest for India in Women’s World Cup history. This crucial win in the qualification match ensures that #TeamIndia moves forward to the semi-finals!”
In the match, India batted first and started strong, with openers Mandhana and Rawal forming a record 212-run partnership. Mandhana scored 109 off 95 balls, while Rawal contributed 122 runs off 134 balls, making her the top scorer of the match.
After Mandhana was out, Jemimah Rodrigues, who was benched in the prior game, came in at No. 3 and scored an impressive unbeaten 76 off 55 deliveries, helping India set a total of 340/3 in a rain-shortened 49-over innings.
Due to another rain interruption, the second innings was adjusted to 44 overs, with New Zealand facing a revised target of 325. The Indian bowlers performed brilliantly, keeping the opposition under pressure and limiting their score.
While Brooke Halliday and Isabella Gaze each scored half-centuries, their efforts fell short as Harmanpreet Kaur and her team restricted New Zealand to 271/8.
This victory secured India the last semi-final spot, joining Australia, South Africa, and England in the final four.
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Point of View
I believe this victory reflects the growth and determination of Indian women's cricket. Their ability to perform under pressure showcases their talent and dedication. Jhulan Goswami's acknowledgment of the team is a testament to the legacy they are building. We stand with our team as they advance in this prestigious tournament.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of India's win against New Zealand?
India's victory over New Zealand was crucial for securing a place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup, thereby knocking New Zealand out of contention.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal were the standout players, sharing a record 212-run opening partnership, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed significantly with a score of 76.
What is Jhulan Goswami's contribution to women's cricket?
Jhulan Goswami is the leading wicket-taker in women's international cricket, with 355 wickets, and has been a pivotal figure in promoting women's cricket in India.
How did rain affect the match?
Rain interruptions led to a reduction in overs for both innings, impacting the strategy and total runs needed for New Zealand.
Which teams are in the semi-finals?
India has joined Australia, South Africa, and England in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.
