Snehasis Mukherjee in Navi Mumbai

Team India has secured their spot in the semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after defeating New Zealand by 53 runs (DLS method) in Navi Mumbai.

It was a complete team effort, led by centuries from the openers – Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal – followed by a fantastic unbeaten knock from Jemimah Rodrigues. The trio powered India to a record total of 340/3, setting the tone for a dominant win.

Before this World Cup, most of the focus was on India’s batting strength, especially the much-talked-about opening pair of Smriti and Pratika. As the tournament has progressed, they have lived up to expectations, adding 155 runs against Australia and 212 against New Zealand. But amid all the spotlight on batting, the importance of India’s new-ball duo, Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud, has gone slightly underappreciated.

Against New Zealand, both Renuka and Kranti were superb, sharing three wickets for just 73 runs in 15 overs at a combined economy rate of 4.87. Kranti made the first breakthrough, removing Suzie Bates for one. When Georgia Plimmer started attacking, Renuka struck back. She also dismissed Sophie Devine, putting India firmly in control of the game.

For Kranti, this was a much-needed comeback. She began the tournament brilliantly, taking four wickets in her first two games. But the clash against South Africa dented her confidence. Despite finishing with 2/59, she was hit for two sixes and a four in her final over by Nadine de Klerk. The young pacer looked distraught, forcing Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to step in and calm her down.
 

Her next two outings (against Australia and England) did not bring any wickets, and she seemed a bit off-colour. But against New Zealand, that early wicket of Bates lifted her confidence again, and she bowled with rhythm and control. Ahead of the semi-final, her return to form should be a massive boost for India, as she remains one of their key strike bowlers.

Renuka’s experience has also been crucial. Despite fitness issues limiting her appearances, she has been India’s go-to bowler in the power play.  Against New Zealand, she combined discipline with impact, finishing with two vital wickets and an economy of 4.16.

Notably, Kranti has performed better in matches where Renuka has shared the new ball. Against New Zealand, the duo again set the tone early, paving the way for India’s big win. Just like India’s opening batters, this bowling pair has been equally impressive, both being natural wicket-takers who can set the rhythm of an innings.

Credit also goes to head coach Amol Muzumdar and the team management for backing Kranti despite a few off days. Muzumdar publicly supported her in press conferences after the Australia loss and before the New Zealand clash, a show of faith that clearly helped the youngster regain confidence.

As India now chases their dream of lifting their maiden ODI World Cup trophy at home, the Renuka–Kranti duo will be vital. Their rhythm with the new ball could decide how far the Women in Blue go from here.