IND vs NZ live score Women's World Cup: Rain returns in Navi Mumbai, wait prolongs

Rain has returned to Navi Mumbai, though thankfully only light showers. The covers are going back on, and it now looks unlikely that play will resume at 7:50 PM IST as planned.

From the press box, visibility is low, making it frustrating not just for the players but also for the viewers eagerly waiting for action to continue.

After the rain delay, play is set to resume at 7:50 PM IST, with each team slated to face 49 overs.

A 10-minute break will separate the two innings, and the standard restriction of four bowlers bowling a maximum of 10 overs each will apply.

The outfield is still a bit soggy, with the groundsmen working hard to make the pitch and field ready for action.

A light drizzle continues at the venue, but the ground staff are on top of it, working diligently. They’ve pulled the covers to the boundary edges to clear off the water accumulated on top. With the rain easing significantly, it looks like play could resume very shortly.

The covers are coming off the main pitch now — all set for play to resume shortly. The ground staff have done their job, and the stage is ready for the action to continue.

"As it begins to pour down here, the song 'Let It Rain Over Me' can be heard blaring out from the speakers. Moreover, the ground hasn't been completely covered, as the ground staff can be seen bringing tyres to put them on top of covers to prevent them from being blown away by the wind," Rishabh Beniwal reports from Navi Mumbai.

"The rain has got lighter, but the ground staff are firmly in action. Some pufflrs forming right in front of the media box end."

Rishabh reports from Navi Mumbai: The forecast had predicted heavy rain in the evening, and it seems that the prediction is coming true. Camera equipment has been covered as tiny droplets begin to fall. Umpires tried to continue play for a couple of overs despite the rain, but they eventually gave in. The covers are coming out. A spell of rain has interrupted proceedings at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, with players taking shelter and the ground staff rushing in to cover the playing area. The rain has grown heavier with every passing minute. There had been a forecast of a 75% chance of rain in the evening, and it is now absolutely pouring as the ground staff frantically try to protect the field. It looks like this could be an extremely long delay.

"Rain has started to drizzle over the ground, and the cameramen are busy shielding their equipment," Rishabh Beniwal reports.

"Fortunately for the players, it’s not heavy enough yet to halt play, so the action continues despite the wet conditions."

"It’s getting dark at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, and the groundsmen are already on high alert, keeping the covers ready along the boundaries. Play is hanging in the balance as conditions slowly change."

"Jemimah Rodrigues takes a sigh of relief as her long practice session on the pre-match day has finally helped her bring back rhythm into her batting," Rishabh Beniwal says.

"She registers her first half-century of the tournament, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur walks over to hug her at the non-striker's end. All hits from her bat have been shots of authority as she used her footwork decisively to rip apart Eden Carson."

Jemimah Rodrigues is absolutely in her groove now, proving that promoting her to No.3 was the right call. In the 46th over, she went after Eden Carson, smashing the off-spinner for three crisp boundaries in quick succession.

Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur has been largely a spectator at the non-striker’s end, watching her partner dominate the attack and keep the scoreboard ticking.

India (315 for 2 in 46 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (64*), Harmanpreet (2*)

"Apart from one or two lapses here and there, New Zealand's fielding has been top-notch as players have slid and dived to save boundaries," Rishabh Beniwal says from Navi Mumbai.

"Hannah Rowe just completed a stunner at long off to bring an end to Pratika Rawal's masterful innings. Every run saved will help them deduct the target, which India will eventually set for them to chase."

"The White Ferns are not letting their guard down, despite India's onslaught, as they're putting their body on the line in a bid to stem the runflow."

Jemimah Rodrigues reaches her fifty off just 38 balls — what a statement comeback from the young Indian after being dropped for the England game! She got there with a classy boundary off Amelia Kerr, and that shot also takes India past the 300-run mark.

There’s a brief pause as Jemimah receives some attention from the physio, taking a moment to hydrate. India will be hoping she’s fine to stay out there — with the form she’s in, they need her at the crease to keep piling on the runs.

India (302 for 2 in 45 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (51*), Harmanpreet (2*)

And finally, New Zealand strike! It took something special to dismiss Pratika Rawal, and Hannah Rowe delivers just that. Rawal danced down the track to Amelia Kerr, going after the delivery, but misjudged the length and sliced it towards long off.

Rowe initially scrambled, then threw herself full-length to take a stunning catch — a real piece of athletic brilliance.

Pratika’s brilliant innings comes to an end, and Harmanpreet Kaur walks in at the crease. India will be hoping their captain can continue the momentum from here. Pratika went after scoring 122 off 134 balls

India (293 for 2 in 44 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (41*), Harmanpreet (0*)

"We're now into the final ten overs. The sun has finally set here with floodlights full in action. The crowd is cheering on every boundary as Jemimah is making the most of her opportunity at number three," reports Rishabh Beniwal from Navi Mumbai.

"There's urgency being shown by both the batters, who've been terrific in their communication and running tight singles, adding every extra run possible to the scoreboard. The crowd is waiting for some pyrotechnics now, with India firmly sitting in the driver's seat."

Jemimah Rodrigues, promoted to No.3, is making every bit of that move count! She’s stepped in and hasn’t let her team down at all. As India move into the death overs, Jemimah is cranking up the pressure.

On the very first ball of the 42nd over, she dispatched Suzie Bates over deep square leg for a boundary and followed it up with another elegant four through mid-wicket. The White Ferns are being stretched to their limits now!

India (279 for 1 in 42 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (39*), Pratika (115*)

The Pratika Rawal–Jemimah Rodrigues partnership is really starting to flourish, already past the 50-run mark! The duo are piling on the pressure, looking to make life miserable for the White Ferns.

Since her comeback, Jemimah has been playing some fearless strokes through the off side, mixing aggression with timing. India are well and truly in the driver’s seat now, and this partnership could run away with the game.

India (266 for 1 in 41 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (27*), Pratika (114*)

A huge moment — and a huge let-off for India! Pratika Rawal gets a lifeline, and New Zealand will be kicking themselves for this one.

She danced down the track to Suzie Bates but didn’t quite get the timing right — her head went down instantly as the ball went high in the air.

Maddy Green positioned herself well underneath it, but oh dear — she’s put it down! A bit of a juggle, and then the ball hits the turf. Relief for Pratika, frustration for the White Ferns — that could prove costly!

LIVE SCORE: India (254 for 1 in 40 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (17*), Pratika (112*)

What a moment for Pratika Rawal! She brings up her maiden World Cup hundred — and her second in ODIs — off 122 balls. Coming into this game under plenty of pressure, she’s answered every critic in style.

On the very first ball of the 39th over from Rosemary Mair, a gentle push for a single took her to the milestone, and she erupted in pure joy — arms aloft, a wide smile lighting up the ground.

And she’s not stopping there! Next ball, she goes big — launching Mair over mid-wicket for a towering six. That’s confidence, that’s class — and that’s Pratika Rawal making a statement on the biggest stage!

LIVE SCORE: India (247 for 1 in 39 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (15*), Pratika (107*)

Pratika Rawal edges into the 90s now — and you can sense a bit of tension in the air! She’s been composed all innings, but this is where the nerves can creep in.

The so-called “nervous 90s” — every batter knows the feeling. The onus is on her now to stay calm, keep the scoreboard ticking, and then push on once she gets there.

India are eyeing a massive total in this all-important clash, and Pratika’s next few overs could well decide just how big that number will be.

LIVE SCORE: India (228 for 1 in 36 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (8*), Pratika (95*)

And finally, the breakthrough New Zealand were desperate for — it’s Suzie Bates, the woman with the golden arm! Smriti Mandhana’s brilliant innings comes to an end on 109 off 95 balls.

She went for the big one over mid-wicket, but couldn’t quite get the timing right. Hannah Rowe settled under it comfortably, and that’s the end of a sparkling knock.

Just what the doctor ordered for the White Ferns! A wicket to lift their spirits, and with Jemimah Rodrigues now walking in, the momentum shifts ever so slightly.

Amelia Kerr is back into the attack too — New Zealand sensing a chance to claw their way back into this contest.

LIVE SCORE: India (213 for 1 in 34 overs) vs New Zealand. Jemimah, (1), Pratika (86*)

Pratika Rawal moves into the 80s, and India cruise past the 200-run mark! Jess Kerr served up a rank half-tracker, and Pratika made her pay — just a delicate touch, using the pace to guide it fine for four. This partnership is turning into a nightmare for New Zealand — and it’s looking more dangerous with every over.

And if that wasn’t enough, Smriti Mandhana piled on the pressure — a no-ball from Kerr, and Mandhana sent it soaring over fine leg for six! The free hit didn’t fetch more runs, but India are absolutely coasting here. This stand also makes history — the first-ever 200-run partnership for India in Women’s ODI World Cup history. A record-breaking show from the Indian openers!

LIVE SCORE: India (211 for 0 in 33 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (109*), Pratika (86*)

There it is! Smriti Mandhana brings up a magnificent 14th ODI hundred — and what a moment this is! A simple single off Jess Kerr to sweeper cover takes her to the landmark, and she’s greeted with a roar from the crowd. In the dressing room, captain Harmanpreet Kaur is on her feet, applauding — as are the rest of her teammates.

With this ton, Mandhana equals Harmanpreet’s record for the most hundreds by an Indian in Women’s World Cups and edges one step closer to Meg Lanning’s all-time record for most ODI centuries.

And there’s more — this is also her fifth hundred of the year, equalling South Africa’s Tazmin Brits for the most Women’s ODI tons in a calendar year. A truly special innings from India’s star opener!

LIVE SCORE: India (192 for 0 in 31 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (100*), Pratika (77*)

Smriti Mandhana is in complete command here! Even New Zealand’s premier bowler, Amelia Kerr, hasn’t been spared. First, Mandhana lofted her beautifully over long-on — pure timing, pure class — and then unleashed a cracking slog sweep to add another boundary.

She’s mixing elegance with authority, and with that, she moves into the 90s. The crowd can sense it — a big milestone is just around the corner!

LIVE SCORE: India (181 for 0 in 29 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (91*), Pratika (75*)

Pratika Rawal — under pressure coming into this game after a string of starts that didn’t quite blossom — seems to have found her rhythm today!

Coach Amol Muzumdar had backed her strongly before the match, praising her form over the past year. And she’s living up to that faith in style.

The way she’s batted so far against the White Ferns, Pratika’s proving why her coach never doubted her — calm, composed, and capitalizing on every loose delivery.

Just when it looked like New Zealand had finally broken through — Smriti Mandhana survives! Amelia Kerr, who’s been a touch expensive so far, thought she had her woman trapped in front.

The umpire’s finger went up, and for a moment, the White Ferns were celebrating. But Mandhana immediately went upstairs — and what a review that turned out to be!

Replays showed a clear inside edge, saving India’s star opener. A huge sigh of relief in the Indian camp!

LIVE SCORE: India (160 for 0 in 27 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (79*), Pratika (66*)

Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana have laid the perfect foundation for India here — exactly the kind of start the hosts were hoping for. But the job’s far from done.

India will want to make sure they build on this platform and post a commanding total against the White Ferns. The key now? Not to repeat that slip-up from the Australia game, where a strong start fizzled out in the middle overs.

This is the moment to press on and make it count!

LIVE SCORE: India (155 for 0 in 26 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (76*), Pratika (64*)

The backing from coach Amol Muzumdar has worked wonders for Pratika Rawal and she has repaid the faith with her second fifty of the tournament. It was a slow start but the Indian opener has equalled a world record along the way and given great support to Mandhana at the other end.

LIVE SCORE: India (121 for 0 in 22 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (73*), Pratika (51*)

With their 100-run stand, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have equalled a world record. They have now got the joint-most hundred run stands in a calendar year for any wicket.

Most century stands in a calendar year

5 - Belinda Clark, Lisa Keightley (AUS-W) in 2000

5 - Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal (IND-W) in 2025

4 - Suzie Bates, Rachel Priest (NZ-W) in 2015

4 - Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W) in 2025

India are pushing the rate up to 5.5 will aim to keep it going up with some fearless cricket. These two can now look to attack more.

LIVE SCORE: India (121 for 0 in 22 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (60*), Pratika (48*)

That's the third consecutive fifty for Smriti Mandhana in the tournament as she has found form at the right time. She is the second Indian after captain Harmanpreet Kaur to get to the landmark. India gets to 100 runs without the loss of a wicket and the foundation is set for a big total in Navi Mumbai. They will need one of these two to go on and get a big score. If both can get a hundred, then nothing like it if you're an Indian team fan.

LIVE SCORE: India (106 for 0 in 18.4 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (51*), Pratika (42*)

"The Indian flags are flying high here at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, with the openers finally getting a move on after a sluggish start. The boundaries have been consistent, and so has been the strike rotation. Something seems to have turned on the switch of urgency in both the batters as India go into the drinks break with momentum on their side. Meanwhile, the crowd has got louder and louder as the ground stands to my right is almost full. Despite the immense heat at the venue, the spirits are ever so high in the lively crowd as some are also performing a step or two with the official ICC mascots Blaze and Tonk." - Rishabh.

LIVE SCORE: India (92 for 0 in 16.4 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (43*), Pratika (37*)

A six from Mandhana and a boundary from Pratika Rawal as India are catching up to the run-rate. A drinks break comes in at the right time for the White Ferns as they need to regroup. India needs to keep the momentum going.

LIVE SCORE: India (86 for 0 in 16 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (38*), Pratika (36*)

Rishabh informs us that Pratika Rawal has got her name into the history books, becoming the joint fastest batter to complete 1000 runs in Women's ODIs. The 25-year-old has a massive fan following in Navi Mumbai as people chant her name in the stands with the stadium announcer urging them to shout it out loud in unison. As evident from the head coach, Amol Muzumdar's reply to a question from India Today in the pre-match press conference, the team management has massive faith in the youngster. The stage is set for Pratika to repay the management's trust with a big knock here.

Once again Rishabh's magic works as India get back-to-back boundaries, first a leg bye and then one, which can be called the shot of the day so far. And then she betters it with a straight lofted shot for a boundary.

LIVE SCORE: India (66 for 0 in 13 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (26*), Pratika (28*)

A horrible over if you're a New Zealand fan as Lea Tahuhu has released all the pressure with her first over. The pacer gave away three wides and a boundary as India reached the fifty-run mark. This could be the momentum that India needs as Amelia Kerr comes on.

LIVE SCORE: India (50 for 0 in 11 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (24*), Pratika (20*)

Rishabh is saying that New Zealand have been top-notch with their ground fielding, not allowing the Indian openers to rotate the strike at will. Both batters are yet to break free, as New Zealand are wasting no opportunity to pile on the pressure. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana brings back the crowd alive with a gorgeous inside-out lofted shot to launch Eden Carson for a maximum. The crowd is swelling up here as the ground stands are almost full. Expect more people to turn up as the game progresses and people return from their work.

The moment Rishabh says this, Pratika shows some aggression and sends Devine to the boundary. Think we need more such comments from Rishabh.

LIVE SCORE: India (40 for 0 in 10 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (22*), Pratika (15*)

A nice sweep shot from Mandhana here as she also gets into the act of getting boundaries. While Carson puts in a tidy over after that, the Indian opener pounces on a loose one from Devine in the next over for another one. She now uses her feet well for a well-timed six as the fielder was a mere spectator. India needs more of this from both openers as this has been a slow start so far.

LIVE SCORE: India (35 for 0 in 8.4 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (21*), Pratika (11*)

And finally, India gets a boundary away. It's Pratika Rawal who is able to find the gap and flick it as Rosemary Mair was a little wayward with her line. She gets another one, this time on the offside. The crowd had something to cheer and they will hope there is more to come.

LIVE SCORE: India (15 for 0 in 5 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (2*), Pratika (10*)

The crowd is slowly building up in Navi Mumbai, according to our very own Rishabh Beniwal. Ground stands are filled up. However, Rishabh is also saying that it has been a sluggish start for India as Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal take their time to assess the pitch conditions. A whopping 17 dot balls in the first three overs as the crowd wait in anticipation for the first boundary. Both batters are waiting for loose deliveries to pounce on, but New Zealand have been very disciplined with their line and length, along with variations in speed.

LIVE SCORE: India (7 for 0 in 4.2 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (2*), Pratika (2*)

Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana are being cautious here. Barring two leg-byes, India haven't scored off the bat. Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr are bowling a good line, keeping it at the stumps, not giving width to either of the two batters.

In the first three overs, India played 18 dots.

LIVE SCORE: India (3 for 0 in 3 overs) vs New Zealand. Smriti (0*), Pratika (1*)

Rosemary Mair has the new ball. The pitch at the DY Patil Stadium has a brown tinge to it. Pratika Rawal takes strike. Will she be busier than before today? Questions have been asked about dot balls faced by the opener in this Women's World Cup.

India need a good start if they are to score in excess of 300.

The extra batter will give Smriti Mandhana a bit more freedom at the top. India need a proactive start and pundits, including Mithali Raj, are backing Smriti to get a big one today after two back-to-back fifties.

There have been concerns about Pratika Rawal's strike rate, although head coach Amol Mazumdar played it down in a strongly-worded response to our reporter, Rishabh Beniwal.

The batting has to click for India. They need to target 300 on what has been a good batting pitch in Navi Mumbai.

"I think India is in good position to score 300 in today's game," says Raj.

India have left out Amanjot Kaur. They have opted for the cushion of an extra batter. Jemimah Rodrigues returns to the XI after having been dropped for the England match.

India have retained faith in specialist bowler Renuka Singh Thakur.

A better call this?

New Zealand have won the toss and opt to bowl. It's a good batting pitch, but with rain threat, Sophie Devine has opted to bowl.

Sophie Devine's side are unchanged.

"The pitch is looking really good, we have a great opportunity to put a good total," Harmanpreet Kaur said, playing down the impact of toss.

Were're just 12 minutes away from the toss. The match is set to take place on the same surface where Sri Lanka and Bangladesh faced off in Match 21. Traditionally, the pitch at the Dr DY Patil Stadium has been a paradise for batters, and to their delight, the short boundaries only add to the bowlers’ worries. The surface is expected to behave in a similar manner, offering plenty of runs while providing some assistance for the spinners as the game wears on. Ideally, the captain winning the toss would look to bat first, but given the ominous weather forecast, opting to bowl could prove to be the smarter choice.

The frailties have cost them dearly, resulting in three consecutive defeats. Yet, India have managed to cling on to a top-four spot, thanks to a few washouts in Colombo. But with just one semi-final berth left to claim, there's no margin for error left for Harmanpreet Kaur's side.

A tournament that started with genuine hopes of seeing the Women in Blue finally lay hands on the elusive silverware has suddenly gone off script. India now find themselves battling to stay afloat, desperate to script a turnaround before it’s too late. The problems have piled up for the hosts: an inconsistent top order, shoddy fielding, poor finishes, ineffective death bowling, and a worrying inability to strike with the new ball.

Hello and welcome to our live blog of the India vs New Zealand fixture of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 from Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The players are warming up ahead of the all important encounter as crowd is gradually filling up the stands.

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