India and Bangladesh had to settle for a point each in the final group match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with rain curtailing India’s run chase to force a no result.
India were 57 without loss in pursuit of an adjusted target of 126 when the weather intervened. The hosts moved to seven points and Bangladesh to three, seeing them leapfrog Pakistan into seventh in the final standings on net run rate.
India, who were assured of fourth whatever the outcome, will now prepare for their semi-final against Australia on Thursday, which will take place at the same venue in Navi Mumbai.
Following a delayed start, Bangladesh lost a wicket from the final ball of the opening over as Sumaiya Akter sliced Renuka Singh Thakur to Sree Charani at short third.
Rubya Haider was next to go before more rain arrived in the 13th over with Bangladesh on 39 for two, leading to a reduction to 27 overs per side.
After the resumption, Bangladesh lost their skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, who was run out by a brilliant Radha Yadav direct hit, but Sharmin Akhter and Sobhana Mostary injected some much-needed momentum into the innings.
Fourteen runs came from an eventful 21st over which ended with Pratika Rawal limping off the field after twisting her ankle, but Sobhana fell in the following over as she lofted Yadav to Harleen Deol at mid-off for 26.
From 91 for three, Bangladesh were soon 101 for seven when Sharmin (36) fell to a fine catch from substitute Arundhati Reddy, who ran in from deep mid-wicket to hold a tough chance from the bowling of Charani.
Mst Ritu Moni struck the first six of the innings in the final over, before departing to the next ball, as Bangladesh limped to 119 for nine.
Smriti Mandhana wasted no time getting going in pursuit of the adjusted target, taking 16 from the third over.
A misfield on the long-off boundary brought up the 50 stand between India’s opening pair, who then received a reprieve from the next ball as Nigar put down a sharp chance behind the stumps to give Mandhana a life on 29.
But with India well set in the ninth over, a final conclusive shower arrived and this time there was no coming back as the match was abandoned.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said: “The way we bowled was quite balanced and a lot of clarity was there. That is something we can definitely take from this game.
“Our medical team will update on Pratika, they are monitoring her injury and they will update soon.
“The semi-final is a very important game for us. We have played very good cricket in these league matches, everyone has contributed and we want to keep enjoying ourselves. That is the key for us.”
Bangladesh skipper Nigar said: “How we started the tournament gave us momentum, we had close games against England, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Some moments could have helped us win those games.
“We have been working so hard as a group and playing together for a long time. We included a few young players and they have been giving 110 per cent. They will definitely take a lot of positives from this.”
Scores in brief
India v 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: Match abandoned
Gov Skull
The man considered as the father of cricket is William Gilbert (W.G.) Grace. He played amateur cricket in England and is credited for helping develop the sport into the modern obsession that it has become.
Lockz
The longest cricket match occurred in 1939 between South Africa and England. The game lasted for 14 days and ended in a draw.