Rain halts India’s charge after Mandhana and Rawal’s record 212-run stand against New Zealand

Navi Mumbai, Oct 2025 : Rain interrupted play in Match 24 of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 between India and New Zealand at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, bringing an abrupt halt to India’s commanding innings.

India had raced to 329 in 48 overs and looked well on course to breach the 350-run mark when a sudden downpour sent players rushing off the field. Ground staff promptly rolled out the covers, though it appeared to be a brief spell of rain.

The foundation of India’s imposing total was laid by the openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who produced a record-breaking 212-run partnership for the first wicket — the highest for India in Women’s ODIs. Both scored magnificent centuries in contrasting styles, setting the tone for a dominant batting performance.

Mandhana was the aggressor, displaying her trademark flair as she smashed 10 boundaries and three sixes en route to a blistering 109 off 95 balls. At the other end, Rawal provided solidity, playing a composed knock of 122 off 134 deliveries with 13 fours and two sixes, ensuring India made full use of a dry, batting-friendly surface.

The duo’s effort also marked their fourth 150-plus partnership, equalling the record held by Australia’s Belinda Clark–Lisa Keightley and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates–Amy Satterthwaite. It was also their seventh century stand for the opening wicket, the joint-most by an Indian pair.

After Mandhana and Rawal’s dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues, recalled to the XI in place of Amanjot Kaur, continued the momentum with a quickfire half-century that added further impetus to India’s innings.

India scored fluently throughout, adding 75 runs between overs 11–20, another 73 between 21–30, and 66/1 between 31–40, before accelerating in the final stretch.

Earlier, the Indian openers began steadily, reaching 40 without loss in the Powerplay before Mandhana switched gears. She brought up her half-century in 49 balls and was momentarily given out LBW to Amelia Kerr, only to be saved on review. She went on to notch her 14th career ODI century off 88 balls, underlining her class and composure in a must-win encounter crucial for India’s semifinal hopes.

As the rain clouds hovered over Navi Mumbai, India’s dominant batting display had already sent a strong message — the team’s top order, much criticised in recent matches, had finally roared back to form at the right time.