NAVI MUMBAI — Persistent rainfall forced the abandonment of India’s crucial league encounter against Bangladesh on Sunday, denying the co-hosts valuable match practice just days before their Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final showdown with defending champions Australia.
The disrupted fixture at DY Patil Stadium became the sixth rain-affected match of the tournament, adding to five previous washouts in Colombo, Sri Lanka. India reached 57 without loss in 8.4 overs while chasing a revised target of 126 from 27 overs when heavy downpours brought a premature end to proceedings.
Opening pair Smriti Mandhana (34 not out) and Amanjot Kaur (15 not out) had built a promising platform before weather intervened. Kaur stepped up as opener after Pratika Rawal sustained an ankle injury during the fielding innings.
Earlier, India’s bowling attack showcased impressive form despite multiple rain interruptions. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav spearheaded the assault with outstanding figures of 3-30, systematically dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup. The visitors managed just 119-9 in their allocated 27 overs after the match was repeatedly reduced due to weather delays.
Captain Nigar Sultana’s run-out dismissal, courtesy of Radha’s accurate throw from backward point, triggered Bangladesh’s collapse. Although Sharmin Akhter (36) and Sobhana Mostary (26 off 21 deliveries) offered resistance, Radha struck consistently across consecutive overs. Fellow left-arm orthodox bowler Shree Charani claimed two wickets, helping restrict Bangladesh below par.
The tournament’s semi-finals commence Wednesday with England facing South Africa in Guwahati, followed by the highly anticipated India-Australia clash in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. The final is scheduled for November 2 at the same venue, where India seeks their maiden World Cup title.
