In a thrilling turn of events, India’s women’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by 53 runs in a crucial ICC Women’s ODI World Cup match on Thursday night. The victory, achieved at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, secured India’s place in the semi-finals and marked a significant comeback after a series of disappointing losses earlier in the tournament. The match, attended by a record-breaking crowd of over 25,166 spectators, showcased India’s resilience and determination to overcome their recent struggles. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and rising star Pratika Agarwal set the tone with a stunning 212-run opening partnership, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed an unbeaten half-century, propelling India to a record total of 340-3. New Zealand, despite a revised target of 325 due to rain interruptions, faltered under pressure, failing to match India’s intensity. This victory not only revitalized India’s campaign but also highlighted their potential to challenge the tournament’s top teams in the upcoming semi-finals. With Australia, England, and South Africa also advancing, India faces a daunting path to the title. However, the team’s renewed confidence and home support could prove decisive as they aim to break their World Cup jinx and claim their maiden championship.