India ready to test batting, bowling ahead of semifinal showdown
India will get one final opportunity to fine-tune their game when they take on Bangladesh in their last league-stage match of the Women’s World Cup here on Sunday. While a win won’t change their fourth-place finish in the group, the hosts aim to iron out key flaws and build momentum ahead of the semifinals on October 30.
Semifinal spot on the line
The outcome of the Saturday clash between Australia and South Africa at Indore will determine India’s semifinal opponent. A victory over Bangladesh would give India a maximum of eight points, keeping them behind England, who sit third with nine points and can extend their tally to 11 if they beat New Zealand.
Pitch is expected to be batting-friendly with even bounce, favoring stroke play but may assist bowlers slightly under overcast or damp conditions.
Batting in focus
India’s semifinal spot was secured in dramatic fashion against New Zealand in a rain-affected match that tested them only partially. Batting first, the hosts made the most of favorable conditions to post a massive 340/3 in 49 overs, powered by centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. Jemimah Rodrigues provided crucial support with a rapid unbeaten 76 at No. 3, addressing a long-standing concern in the middle order.
While the team’s batting has largely been impressive, Rawal’s 122-run innings included 63 dot balls, highlighting room for improvement in pacing. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who has had a subdued World Cup so far, will also look to regain form and contribute a big innings before the semifinals.
Bowling and lower-order challenges
The Indian bowlers, led by Renuka Singh Thakur, capitalized on scoreboard pressure to restrict New Zealand to 271/8 in 44 overs while chasing a revised target of 325. Singh’s swing with the new ball yielded two early wickets, showing India’s growing confidence under pressure.
The lower order remains a concern, with Richa Ghosh yet to make the impact expected in death overs. Ghosh, who missed batting in the final overs against New Zealand due to a finger injury, is expected to regain fitness and add firepower to India’s tail-end attack.
Bangladesh out of contention
Bangladesh, meanwhile, are already out of contention. They narrowly lost to Sri Lanka in a thrilling finale at DY Patil, failing to score nine runs from the last over despite strong performances from skipper Nigar Sultana (77), Sharmin Akhter (64*), and Shorna Akter (3/27). With just one win and two points to their name, Bangladesh are set to finish at the bottom of the group.
Match starts at 3:00pm IST
Teams:
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.
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