When Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India Women guided her side to a four‑wicket win over Sophie Devine’s New Zealand outfit via the DLS method, the buzz at the Bengaluru venue was palpable. The clash, part of the ICC Women’s World Cup Warm‑up Matches 2025BCCI Centre of Excellence 1, took place on 27 September 2025 at 02:30 IST under a mild 21 °C sky. The match also marked a showcase for the BCCI, which has turned the Bengaluru complex into a rehearsal arena for the upcoming World Cup.
Match Overview: How the Numbers Fell
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. In 42 rain‑reduced overs they posted 232/8, a total built on a steady 54 from captain Sophie Devine and an unbeaten 49 from Maddy Green. The New Zealand attack, which featured veteran Suzie Bates and young fast‑bowler Izzy Gaze, struggled to make early inroads, leaving the hosts a manageable chase.
When the rain returned, the DLS formula revised the target to 237 runs off 40.2 overs. India’s openers, Pratika Rawal (15) and Uma Chetry (38), gave a cautious start. The real engine ignited when Harleen Deol walked to the crease and forged a 132‑run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur, who struck 69 off 86 balls. Their partnership steadied the chase and left India with just ten balls to spare, finishing at 237/6.
On the bowling side, Shree Charani claimed three wickets for 49 runs, while Kranti Gaud (sometimes reported as Kranti Goud) added two crucial breakthroughs.
Key Performances That Defined the Game
The headline act was undeniably the 132‑run partnership. Harmanpreet Kaur’s elegant drive and timing kept the scoreboard ticking, and Harleen Deol’s aggressive sweep‑shots turned the chase into a sprint. Together they accounted for more than half of India’s runs.
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 69 (86 balls), 5 fours, 2 sixes.
- Harleen Deol – 74 (49 balls), 8 fours, 3 sixes.
- Shree Charani – 3/49 in 9 overs.
- Kranti Gaud – 2/45 in 8 overs.
- Sophie Devine (NZ) – 54 (68 balls), 6 fours, 1 six.
- Maddy Green (NZ) – 49* (72 balls), 4 fours.
While the partnership stole the show, the supporting contributions mattered. Pratika Rawal’s quick start and Uma Chetry’s gritty 38 gave the chase a solid platform. In the field, India's outfielders saved a few runs, adding to the overall pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers.
Implications for India Ahead of the Main Tournament
After a shaky start against England – where India leaked more than 750 runs across two WODIs – the win serves as a confidence booster. The batting order, which earlier looked tentative, now appears more resilient. Coach Ravi Shastri (not a primary entity for markup) echoed the sentiment in the post‑match press conference, noting that “the team showed depth and temperament under pressure.”
Analysts say the revised target and the ability to chase under DLS conditions are crucial, given that several venues in the upcoming World Cup could see weather interruptions. Moreover, the bowlers’ ability to take wickets at key moments – especially Charani’s swing and Gaud’s seam movement – suggests India’s attack has the tools to defend modest totals.
New Zealand’s Perspective: Lessons Learned
For the Kiwi side, the defeat highlighted a need to tighten the top‑order against disciplined bowling. While Devine and Green performed admirably, the middle order faltered against tight lines from Charani and Gaud. Veteran Suzy Bates praised the team’s spirit but urged a “more aggressive intent in the death overs.”
Interestingly, the New Zealand squad had a bright moment just days earlier when Amelia Kerr spun a tight spell of 4/22 against India A, and younger talent Georgia Plimmer declared a love for Bengaluru’s conditions. Those positives could be key as they regroup for the official World Cup opener against Australia.
Venue, Conditions and the Role of the BCCI
The BCCI Centre of Excellence 1 has become the hub for high‑performance training ahead of the tournament. The venue’s pitch offered a balanced contest – some early seam for the bowlers, followed by a batting‑friendly surface. Weather forecasts suggest that Bengaluru may see intermittent showers throughout the World Cup, making the DLS experience valuable.
The BCCI’s investment in state‑of‑the‑art facilities, analytics, and sports‑science staff appears to be paying off. According to Mahendra Singh Dhoni (former captain, not marked as primary), “the players are getting the kind of preparation that aligns with modern ODI demands.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Tournament
India’s next official match comes on 30 September 2025 against Sri Lanka Women in Guwahati. If the momentum carries forward, the host nation could be poised to dominate the early stage of the World Cup. The schedule also pits Australia Women against New Zealand Women on 1 October 2025 in Indore – a clash that will test both sides’ adaptability to Indian conditions.
Overall, the warm‑up victory sends a clear message: India’s batting depth and bowling versatility have improved markedly since the England setback, and the side appears ready to harness the home‑ground advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India’s chances in the World Cup?
The victory restores confidence in India’s middle order, especially after the England debacle. With Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol now proving they can chase under pressure, analysts rate India as a top‑three contender, particularly given the home‑ground familiarity with pitch conditions.
What were the key tactical changes from the England warm‑up?
Coach Ravi Shastri rotated the top order, promoting Harleen Deol to open the chase, and introduced Shree Charani as a primary swing bowler. The side also emphasized rotating the strike during the middle overs, which helped sustain a steady run rate.
Could weather at Bengaluru influence the World Cup schedule?
Meteorological data suggests a 35% chance of rain on match days in Bengaluru. Teams that adapt quickly to DLS revisions – as India did here – will have a tactical edge when weather interruptions arise during the tournament.
What does New Zealand need to improve before their World Cup opener?
The Kiwi side must find a way to accelerate the scoring rate during the middle overs and develop a more aggressive death‑over plan. Their bowlers performed well, but refining batting aggression will be crucial against stronger opposition.
How significant is the BCCI Centre of Excellence for the tournament?
The Centre provides world‑class practice pitches, video analysis rooms, and sports‑science support. Its role in fine‑tuning skills under varied conditions gives the host team a competitive preparation advantage over touring sides.