Did Rain Disrupt the Exciting India vs New Zealand Match in Women's World Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India scored 329 runs in 48 overs before rain interrupted play.
- Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal both scored centuries.
- Mandhana and Rawal's partnership of 212 runs is the highest for India in ODIs.
- The match's outcome is vital for India's semifinal qualification.
- The rain delay showcased the unpredictability of sports.
Navi Mumbai, Oct 23 (NationPress) - The highly anticipated Match 24 of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 faced an unexpected interruption as rain halted play between India and New Zealand at the Dr DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.
India had surged to a remarkable 329 runs in 48 overs and was eyeing a target of 350 when the rain began, prompting players to rush for cover. The ground staff swiftly brought out the covers to manage the brief downpour.
The impressive total was built on the stellar performances of openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who both scored centuries and put together a monumental partnership of 212 runs.
Smriti Mandhana showcased an aggressive batting style, smashing ten boundaries and three sixes to score 109 runs off 95 balls, while Pratika Rawal played a more measured innings, accumulating 122 runs off 134 balls with 13 boundaries and two sixes, taking full advantage of the excellent batting conditions.
India's top order, often criticized, finally delivered as Jemimah Rodrigues, who replaced Amanjot Kaur in the lineup, contributed with a rapid half-century, further solidifying the innings.
India scored an impressive 75 runs between the 11th and 20th overs and followed it with 73 runs in the next ten overs, and 66/1 in the overs between 31 and 40.
Initially, Mandhana and Rawal began steadily, reaching 40 runs without loss during the Power-play. Mandhana accelerated thereafter, reaching her half-century in 49 balls.
Mandhana, who had a close call with an lbw decision against Amelia Kerr that was overturned by DRS, achieved her 14th career century in 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes in a remarkable display as India aimed for a win to secure a semifinal spot. Rawal took 122 balls to reach her century.
The partnership of 212 runs for the opening wicket is now the highest for India in ODIs. This marks the fourth 150-plus partnership between Mandhana and Rawal in Women's ODIs, tying with the legendary pairs of Belinda Clark-Lisa Keightley and Suzie Bates-Amy Satterthwaite. Furthermore, this was their seventh century stand for the opening wicket, tying for the most by any Indian pair.