Snehasis Mukherjee in Navi Mumbai
India and New Zealand are all set to face each other on October 23 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. It is a do-or-die clash for both sides in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
The Women in Blue are currently fourth on the points table with four points (2 wins, 3 losses) and a net run rate of +0.526. The White Ferns sit just below them in fifth place, also with four points (1 win, 2 losses, 2 no results), but with a lower net run rate of -0.245.
With Australia, England, and South Africa already securing their semi-final spots, this match has become a virtual quarter-final for the last remaining place. A loss here would almost end the qualification hopes for both teams.
For India, a win will confirm their place in the semi-finals. That would take them to six points, and since total wins count ahead of net run rate, India will qualify even if they lose their last game to Bangladesh and New Zealand beat England. In that case, both teams would finish on six points, but India would have three wins compared to New Zealand’s two.
However, a defeat will make the road much tougher. If New Zealand win, India will have to rely on England beating the White Ferns while also ensuring a victory over Bangladesh. A washout, on the other hand, will still favour India since they have already one more win than New Zealand.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Overall: 57 matches – India 22, New Zealand 34, Tied 1
- In India: 23 matches – India 12, New Zealand 10, Tied 1
- In Women’s World Cups: 13 matches– India 2, New Zealand 10, Tied 1
Current Form
India
Team India are under serious pressure after three back-to-back defeats. The Women in Blue started strong with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but then lost to South Africa, Australia, and England. Their batting has looked shaky, especially against spinners, and though New Zealand do not have a left-arm spinner, the spin duo of Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson could still pose a threat.
New Zealand
For Sophie Devine’s side, it has been a stop-start campaign. They began with two heavy defeats against Australia and South Africa, followed by their first win of the tournament against Bangladesh. However, their next two matches in Colombo against Sri Lanka and Pakistan were washed out due to rain. The White Ferns are eager to get back on the field and know that a win in Navi Mumbai can revive their semi-final hopes.
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Players to Watch
India
Smriti Mandhana
India’s vice-captain has found her rhythm with the bat after a slow start. She scored 80 against Australia and followed it up with 88 against England. However, her dismissal at a crucial stage in the England game shifted momentum away from India. Mandhana admitted her mistake in the post-match press conference and took responsibility. Now, in a must-win clash, she would want to go one step further — score big and take India home.
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma has been India’s standout performer so far. With 133 runs, including two fifties, and 13 wickets in five games, she has delivered consistently with both the bat and ball. However, she also fell at a crucial time against England, which tilted the match. India will again look to Deepti for calmness, experience, and another all-round performance to guide them to the semi-finals.
New Zealand
Sophie Devine
The veteran skipper has been in outstanding touch, leading from the front. She has scored 260 runs in just three innings at an average of 86.66, with one century and two fifties. She has also contributed with three wickets, showing her all-round value. At 36, Devine continues to inspire with her fitness, hunger, and leadership. She will once again be the biggest threat to India.
Amelia Kerr
Amelia Kerr has not had a big impact with the bat yet, scoring just 57 runs in three innings, but her leg-spin has been crucial. She has taken six wickets in five matches and will look to trouble India’s middle order. A strong all-round display from her could make a big difference for the White Ferns in this knockout-like clash.
Probable Playing XIs
India
Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
New Zealand
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Lea Tahuhu
Also Read: Smriti guides Jemimah as India gear up for must-win clash against New Zealand