Incessant rains led to the abandonment of India’s match against Bangladesh, but the hosts faced a significant injury scare as opener Pratika Rawal injured her ankle and knee while fielding during an inconsequential
Women’s World Cup match on Sunday.
In a rain-shortened 27-over-per-side contest, India were 57 without loss in 8.4 overs after restricting Bangladesh to 119/9 when rain intervened again, forcing officials to call off the game. India’s target was revised to 126 from 27 overs.
Smriti Mandhana was unbeaten on 34, and makeshift opener Amanjot Kaur was not out on 15 when the match ended, resulting in both teams sharing a point.
India concluded the league stage with three wins from seven matches, and the washout earned them seven points and a fourth-place finish.
Despite having the same points (3) as Pakistan, Bangladesh moved to the seventh spot due to their victory in the previous meeting in the tournament.
Earlier, Rawal’s right foot got stuck in the turf on the final ball of the 21st over of the first innings when she ran in from deep midwicket to stop the ball and collapsed in pain.
Indian players rushed to their teammate while a stretcher was brought to the field, but Rawal walked off with assistance from the support staff, even managing a smile.
All eyes will be on Rawal’s recovery as India, seeking their maiden World Cup title, face formidable Australia in the semifinal on Thursday.
The BCCI stated, “Team India all-rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the first innings against Bangladesh. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress.”
In Rawal’s absence, chasing the revised target of 126 from 27 overs saw vice-captain Mandhana opening the innings alongside Amanjot, who was opening for the first time at this level.
Amanjot excelled in her role, providing perfect support to Mandhana, who dominated the Bangladesh attack with a series of boundaries, scoring 34 from 27 balls.
The outfield, including the spot where Rawal fell, remained exposed throughout the day as unseasonal rain interruptions resulted in a loss of two hours and 15 minutes.
The playing area was protected from one bowling end to the other with multiple layers of covers on the centre, but the square boundaries on either side of the wicket were left exposed to the rain.
Earlier, India restricted Bangladesh to a modest 119 for nine in 27 overs after the weather forced a reduction in overs.
Renuka Singh struck early, having Sumaiya Akhter caught by Shree Charani (2/23) at backward point off a wide delivery that the batter chased after.
Radha Yadav dismissed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana (9) with a brilliant direct hit.
Sharmin Akhter (36), coming off a fine 64 not out in her last match against Sri Lanka, seemed to be waging a lone battle for Bangladesh as India continued to take regular wickets.
Sharmin’s charge ended when Arundhati Reddy, substituting for Rawal, made an athletic catch off Charani running in from deep midwicket.
Sobhana Mostary (26) attempted to counterattack but her resistance was short-lived, with Harleen Deol taking a fine catch off returning spinner Radha Yadav (3/30).
(With PTI Inputs)
