Radha Yadav Stars as Unseasonal Rain Plays Spoilsport
The final league stage encounter between India and Bangladesh at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai ended without a result on Sunday after persistent rain forced match officials to abandon play with India well-positioned to complete a commanding victory.
The match, initially scheduled as a 50-over contest, faced multiple weather interruptions that transformed what promised to be a straightforward Indian win into a frustrating washout for the 2025 Women’s World Cup hosts.
India Dominates Before Weather Intervenes
After the start was delayed by two hours, the contest was first reduced to 43 overs per side before further rain truncated it to just 27 overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends as India’s bowling attack dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Playing her first match of the tournament, left-arm spinner Radha Yadav produced a stellar performance with figures of three wickets for 30 runs. Vegas11 News has learned that her impressive spell turned the game decisively in India’s favor.
“We wanted to give Radha an opportunity and she grabbed it with both hands,” sources close to the team revealed to Vegas11 News. Her stunning dismissal of Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty sparked a dramatic collapse as the visitors crumbled from a position of relative comfort.
Bangladesh Batting Collapse Defines First Innings
Bangladesh managed just 119 runs for nine wickets in their allotted 27 overs, with only four batters reaching double figures. Sharmin Akhter top-scored with 36 runs before falling to Shree Charani, who claimed two wickets for 23 runs.
The innings began disastrously when opening bowler Renuka Singh produced an inswinging delivery that removed Sumaiya Akter, caught by Charani at short third. Fellow spinner Deepti Sharma, veteran all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, and Renuka Singh Thakur each chipped in with a wicket as India maintained relentless pressure throughout.
Mandhana Blazes Trail Before Rain Returns
Chasing a revised DLS target of 126 runs, India faced an early setback when regular opener Pratika Rawal suffered an ankle injury while fielding and could not take her usual position at the crease. Smriti Mandhana opened alongside Amanjot Kaur instead, and the pair put together an unbroken 57-run partnership.
After a cautious beginning, Mandhana exploded in the fourth over, dispatching four consecutive boundaries off spinner Nishita Akter Nishi to inject momentum into the chase. Vegas11 News observed that her aggressive strokeplay signaled India’s intent to finish the match quickly.
Bangladesh captain Sultana dropped difficult chances from both openers – Mandhana on 28 off Nahida Akter and Amanjot on 15 off Rabeya Khan. Those missed opportunities proved costly as the Indian duo continued building their partnership.
Weather Denies India Fourth Win
With India comfortably placed at 57 without loss in the ninth over, more heavy showers arrived and prevented the minimum 20 overs from being completed. The captains shook hands at 10:20 PM local time as match officials called off the contest.
“The rain just kept coming back,” an India team official told Vegas11 News. “With more rain forecast for the rest of the week in Mumbai, this could be a concern for Thursday’s semi-final against Australia at the same venue”.
Points Table Implications
The shared point allowed Bangladesh to leapfrog Pakistan into seventh place on net run rate, while India remained in fourth position with seven points from seven games. With the group stage now concluded, attention turns to the semi-finals where England face South Africa on October 29, while India take on table-toppers Australia on October 30.
Injury Concern Clouds Semi-Final Preparations
The injury to Pratika Rawal, who suffered damage to her knee and ankle, emerged as the biggest concern for India heading into their crucial semi-final showdown. The opening batter had been in scintillating form, scoring a century in the previous match against New Zealand.
Vegas11 News understands that team management will assess her fitness over the coming days, with medical staff working round the clock to ensure her availability for the knockout clash.
Looking Ahead to Semi-Final Showdown
Despite the frustrating washout, India will take confidence from their clinical bowling performance and Mandhana’s aggressive intent with the bat. The semi-final against defending champions and unbeaten Australia at the Dr DY Patil Stadium represents India’s biggest test of the tournament.
“We dominated every session that was possible today,” Mandhana said after the match. “The focus now shifts completely to Australia. We know what we need to do.”
For Bangladesh, the tournament ends with valuable lessons learned. Led by swing bowler Marufa Akter, their bowling unit showed promise across several matches, though their batting lacked the firepower to consistently compete against top-tier opposition.
As the Women’s World Cup moves into its knockout phase, India will hope the weather gods prove kinder for their semi-final appointment with Australian cricket’s finest.
Match Summary:
- Bangladesh: 119/9 in 27 overs (Sharmin Akhter 36; Radha Yadav 3/30, Shree Charani 2/23)
- India: 57/0 in 8.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 28*, Amanjot Kaur 15*)
- Result: Match abandoned due to rain; both teams share one point each
- Player of Note: Radha Yadav (India) – 3 wickets for 30 runs
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