Rain Halts IND v BAN Clash in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Spotlight on Pratika’s Injury Woes

Four major rain delays, three changes to India’s team, two standout performances from left-arm spinners, and a significant injury concern for India weren’t enough to secure a result for the large crowd at D.Y. Patil Stadium. The fans were hoping to see the Women in Blue end the league stage triumphantly.

However, rain prevailed as the final league match of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 was abandoned. Bangladesh managed to score 119 for nine in their rain-shortened 27-over innings, setting India a revised target of 126 runs.

By 10:05 PM, play was stopped—finally abandoned 15 minutes later—due to continuous drizzle. At that point, Smriti Mandhana and her makeshift opening partner, Amanjot Kaur, had guided India to 57 for no loss in the ninth over.

Amanjot stepped in as the opening partner after Pratika Rawal injured her knee and ankle while fielding in the 21st over, which posed an injury worry for India just before Thursday’s semifinal against Australia.

Pratika has been a crucial part of India’s batting lineup, scoring 308 runs in six games, including a century and a half-century. Despite criticisms of her scoring rate and strike rotation, she has been a key partner to Smriti Mandhana, setting India up for victory consistently.

Amid concerns over Pratika’s availability, the match faced numerous rain interruptions. The initial toss was delayed by 35 minutes, followed by another downpour shortly after. When play finally began, it was shortened to 43 overs, and Renuka Thakur immediately dismissed Sumaiya Akter in the first over, with Deepti Sharma contributing a breakthrough in her third over.

Rain returned in the 13th over, leading to another 135-minute delay and further reduction of overs. Bangladesh was at 39 for two, with captain Nigar Sultana trying to stabilize the innings until a sharp fielding play by Radha resulted in a direct hit that caught Nigar short.

Radha, making her tournament debut, impressed as the top wicket-taker with three wickets in six overs, dismissing Sobhana Mostary, Nahida Akter, and Rabeya Khan. India made three team changes: Radha replaced Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur came in for Kranti Gaud, and Uma Chetry made her ODI debut in place of Richa Ghosh.

Published on Oct 26, 2025