A dominant India side, helped by Mithali Raj’s 109 and a five-wicket haul from Rajeshwari Gayakwad, beat New Zealand by 186 runs to set-up a semi-final showdown with reigning champions Australia in Derby.
The result, along with England’s 92-run victory over West Indies and Australia’s 59-run win over South Africa, means India finish third and will face second-placed Australia at Derby in the tournament’s second semi-final on Thursday 20 June; 10.30am start.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field, a decision that payed off early on as they dismissed Punam Raut (4) and Smriti Mandhana (13) within the first eight overs.
India fought their way back into the game thanks to dominant batting displays from Harmanpreet Kaur and Raj who both reached their half centuries just after the midway point and pushed India past 100.
Kaur fell for 60 after she was caught and bowled by Leigh Kasperek. Her replacement Deepti Sharma went soon after without scoring after a smart catch by Rachel Priest.
Veda Krishnamurthy made a quick-fire 69 alongside Raj (109), but both were dismissed as well as Shikha Pandey (0) in the final over, with India finishing 265-7.
New Zealand’s reply stuttered from the off, losing openers Suzie Bates (1) and Priest (5) after just three overs, before Katey Martin (12) went in the 11th over with New Zealand 27-3.
Just as the White Ferns looked like they were beginning to find some rhythm India struck again, taking three New Zealand wickets in as many overs, dismissing Satterthwaite (26), Katie Perkins (1) and Devine (7) putting them at 62-6.
On the verge of victory, India took three more wickets for just five runs as as they removed Rowe (4), Maddy Green (5) and Tahuhu (5).
India sealed a comfortable victory with the final wicket of Kasperek (0), bowled by Gayakwad who finished with figures of 5-15 from 7.3 overs. New Zealand were all out for 79, India winning by 186 runs with 24.3 overs remaining.
They sail through to the semi-finals where they will face Australia in Derby on Thursday 20 July; 10.30 am start. Tickets for the second semi-final are on sale now.
Tickets are available for all games in Derby, with prices starting from just £10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online via icc-cricket.com/tickets.
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