Snehasis Mukherjee in Navi Mumbai
India made a mammoth 340/3 in 49 overs in the Women’s World Cup match against New Zealand. After a rain interruption, the match was reduced to 49 overs per side. This is India’s highest-ever total in Women’s ODI World Cups, surpassing the 330 scored earlier in this edition against Australia.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal smashed centuries, while Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 76, as India posted a big total in this virtual quarter-final clash against New Zealand.
India went back to their five-bowler plan as Jemimah replaced Amanjot Kaur in the XI. However, Harmanpreet Kaur’s poor luck with the toss continued, as she lost another one and New Zealand chose to bowl. Under scorching heat and humidity, India began cautiously, scoring just six runs in the first four overs as New Zealand’s bowlers bowled tight lines.
Then, Smriti and Pratika shifted gears. They began to play shots confidently and added runs steadily. They frustrated the White Ferns with their discipline and stroke play, stitching a brilliant 212-run partnership in 33.2 overs.
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Smriti, after scores of 80 and 88 in her previous two games, finally converted her start into a big one. She reached her third ODI World Cup century (and 14th overall), becoming India’s first centurion of this edition. She was eventually dismissed for 109 while trying to accelerate, caught off Suzie Bates.
The decision to send Jemimah at No. 3 surprised some, but it worked perfectly. Meanwhile, Pratika reached her maiden ODI World Cup century (second overall) and silenced her critics with a classy 122 off 134 balls. An excellent diving catch from Hannah Rowe ended her stay, with Amelia Kerr taking the wicket.
Jemimah and skipper Harmanpreet carried the momentum forward, adding 41 runs before rain arrived with only two overs remaining. Jemimah looked assured during her knock, bringing up a much-needed fifty after being dropped in the last match. Her conventional and reverse sweeps stood out, showing her regained confidence.
When rain interrupted play, India were 329/2 in 48 overs. New Zealand’s bowling unit looked toothless and out of ideas once Smriti and Pratika settled in. After a rain delay of an hour and 40 minutes, India returned to the crease for one final over and reached the 340-run mark.
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