Harmanpreet hails Indian mentality after sealing semi-final spot
Media release
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur hailed her side’s mentality after they booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with victory over New Zealand.
The hosts came into the contest off the back of three straight defeats but knew a win in Navi Mumbai would seal their place in the knockouts.
Supported by a crowd of 25,166 - the highest group stage attendance at any ICC women's event – India duly rose to the occasion with a 53-run victory (DLS).
Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana each hit centuries to drive India to 340, which ultimately proved too tall an order for New Zealand, who were chasing a revised 325 off 44 overs following a rain delay.
“It wasn’t easy but credit goes to the entire team for the way we fought today,” said Harmanpreet.
“We knew how important this match was and I am really happy with the way we played.
“Everyone in the team stood up. The way we lifted each other showed how positive we were even though the last three games didn’t go well. I am really happy with the way we all came together.
“No doubt, whenever you play at home everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we are always discussing that this is our home and the crowd is always cheering for us. It is a moment to enjoy.
“ A lot of things didn’t go our way, but today was our day.”
The pressure certainly did not appear to be weighing openers Rawal and Mandhana down, as the pair built a game-defining opening stand.
Mandhana scored 109 off 95 balls to claim Player of the Match honours, while Rawal ended on 122.
Jemimah Rodrigues added a quickfire 76 off 55 on her return to the side as India posted their highest total of the tournament so far and Harmanpreet was pleased with the way the top order converted their good starts.
“That self-belief was there, that we were getting starts and now it was time to make it big,” she added.
“Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for the way they took responsibility and played a crucial innings for the team.”
Defeat brings New Zealand’s tournament to an end, though they still have one match left to play against England, and captain Sophie Devine rued a 'frustrating' competition.
“We’re incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but our family, our friends, the people that have supported us,” she said.
“It has been a frustrating tournament to be honest. We would have loved more opportunities to play, more opportunities with the bat.
“Full credit to India today, the target was just too big for us. I am absolutely gutted.”
The shining lights for the Silver Ferns were Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze, who both delivered excellent performances with the bat.
Halliday top-scored on 81 while Gaze brought up her maiden ODI half-century, finishing on 65 not out, and Devine - who is playing in her final ICC Women's Cricket World Cup - believes it bodes well for the future.
She added: “It’s really exciting the way that those two players in particular have continued to grow over the last 18-24 months. I’m really excited to see from the sidelines where they can continue to go.
“There’s plenty of positives, it’s just a shame this is the end of our tournament.”
ENDS