Navi Mumbai: India and Bangladesh had to settle for a point each in the final group game of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 as rain curtailed India’s run chase and forced a no-result.
When the weather set in, India were 57 without loss and chasing an adjusted target of 126. The hosts scored seven points and Bangladesh three, pushing Pakistan to seventh in the final standings based on net run rate.
India, who were assured of fourth place regardless of the outcome, will now prepare for Thursday’s semi-final against Australia at the same venue in Navi Mumbai.
After a late start, Bangladesh lost a wicket off the last ball of the opener when Sumaiya Akter cut Renuka Singh Thakur to Sree Charani at short third.
Rubya Haider was next before rain set in again in the 13th over and Bangladesh were 39 for two, resulting in a reduction to 27 overs per side.
After the resumption, Bangladesh lost their captain Nigar Sultana Joty, who was defeated by a brilliant direct hit from Radha Yadav, but Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary brought much-needed momentum to the innings.
Fourteen runs came from an eventful 21st over that ended with Pratika Rawal hobbling off the field after spraining her ankle, but Sobhana fell in the following over when she bowled Yadav to Harleen Deol for 26 runs at mid-off.
From 91 for three, Bangladesh were soon at 101 for seven when Sharmin (36) was undone by a fine catch from substitute Arundhati Reddy, who ran in from mid-wicket and had a difficult chance off the bowling of Charani.
Ms. Ritu Moni batted the first six innings in the final over before moving on to the next ball as Bangladesh limped to 119 for nine.
Smriti Mandhana wasted no time in chasing the adjusted target and bagged 16 points in the third round.
A misfield at the long-off boundary brought the score to 50 between India’s first pair, which was then given a reprieve by the next ball when Nigar missed a sharp chance behind the stumps to give Mandhana a life on the 29th.
But with India well positioned in the ninth over, there was a final, decisive shower and this time there was no turning back as the game was abandoned.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said: “The way we bowled was quite balanced and there was a lot of clarity. That’s definitely something we can take away from this game.”
“Our medical team will keep abreast of Pratika, monitor her injury and update soon.
“The semi-final is a very important game for us. We have played very good cricket in these league games, everyone has done their part and we want to keep having fun. That is the key for us.”
Bangladesh captain Nigar said: “The way we started the tournament gave us momentum, we had close games against England, Sri Lanka and South Africa. A few moments could have helped us win those games.”
“We have worked so hard as a group and have played together for a long time. We brought in a few young players and they gave 110 percent. They will definitely take a lot of positive things from it.”
Results coming soon
India vs Bangladesh – Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Bangladesh 119/9 in 27 overs (Sharmin Akther 36, Sobhana Mostary 26; Radha Yadav 3/30, Sree Charani 2/23)
India 57/0 in 8.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 34 not out, Amanjot Kaur 15 not out)
Result: Game abandoned
