India’s women’s cricket team is set to clash with Bangladesh in their final league match of the 2025 Women’s World Cup in Navi Mumbai. This encounter is more than just a league fixture; it’s a vital dress rehearsal as India prepares for a formidable semifinal challenge against the seven-time champions, Australia. Regardless of the outcome, India is assured of the fourth spot in the standings, making this match a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their game ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes semifinal at DY Patil Stadium. Even a victory wouldn’t alter their current position, as they can only accumulate a maximum of eight points, while third-placed England has the potential to reach eleven points if they overcome New Zealand on Sunday.
India clinched their semifinal berth with a dominant performance against New Zealand in a rain-affected game. The team posted an impressive 340/3 in 49 overs, thanks to spectacular centuries from openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Mandhana was explosive, scoring 105 runs off just 95 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes, while Rawal anchored the innings with a solid 122 off 134 balls, featuring 13 fours and two sixes. Jemimah Rodrigues further boosted the score with an unbeaten 76 at number three. The Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by Renuka Singh Thakur’s early breakthroughs, successfully restricted New Zealand to 271/8 in 44 overs while defending a revised target of 325, with the scoreboard pressure proving too much for the White Ferns.
Squads for India vs Bangladesh:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Uma Chetry (wk), Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav.
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana (c&wk), Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Sumaiya Akter, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisha, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sanjida Akter Meghla.
Weather forecasts indicate a chance of moderate rain or thunderstorms for Sunday’s match. This presents India with a valuable chance to practice bowling under potentially dewy, slippery conditions, a scenario that could very well play out during their crucial semifinal against Australia. Seamers like Renuka Singh Thakur and spinners Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad will be keen to refine their control and adaptability.
While the team addressed some batting concerns in their previous match, particularly converting starts into substantial scores and maintaining a healthy scoring rate, Pratika Rawal’s innings of 122 included 63 dot balls. This could be a point of concern in tighter, higher-pressure matches against top-tier opponents. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s form also remains a key area of focus. Her 70 against England in Indore has been her only significant contribution in the tournament so far. This match against Bangladesh provides a timely opportunity for her to regain rhythm and confidence before the semifinals, and a fluent innings from the captain could alleviate pressure on the middle order heading into the knockout stage.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh’s role as a lower-order finisher and behind the stumps remains crucial for India’s balance. She sustained a finger injury during the last game, necessitating Uma Chetry to step in temporarily. India will be fervently hoping Richa is fully fit, as her powerful hitting in the death overs was noticeably missed against New Zealand.
Bangladesh’s World Cup journey concludes with this match, having fallen short by nine runs in their final over against Sri Lanka at DY Patil Stadium. Despite commendable individual efforts from Shorna Akter (3/27), captain Nigar Sultana (77), and Sharmin Akhter (64 not out), they are set to finish at the bottom of the tournament standings, with Pakistan having moved ahead due to three washouts. Nevertheless, a victory in this match could offer them a chance to salvage some pride and conclude their campaign on a positive note, potentially allowing them to leapfrog Pakistan in the standings.
The match is scheduled to commence at 3:00 PM IST at DY Patil Stadium.