India’s last league game washed out

From three hours of heavy rain reducing the match to 27 overs each side to a major injury scare for India and the abandonment of a certain win for the hosts, the last league match of the ICC Women’s World Cup between India and Bangladesh was nothing less than a rollercoaster ride at the DY Patil Stadium here Sunday.

The match, which was thought to be an easy passage for India, left the side worried with a major injury scare to opener Pratika Rawal, a key player considering the team’s semifinal against Australia on October 30.

Rawal’s injury to her right ankle and knee occurred near the boundary on the last ball of the 21st over. The medics rushed to her with a stretcher but she opted to walk off with the help of fellow players. She was in visible pain but more painful was the reaction of the Indian players on the field. Not only the skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, but the coaches were equally worried about her injury.

The conditions had a part to play in the mishap as the area near the boundaries was left exposed to the rain. The ground staff did their best to dry the outfield but the injury to Rawal raised many questions. Later, she didn’t come out to bat. “Pratika is being monitored by the medical team and hopefully they’ll get back soon,” Harmanpreet said.

In the match against New Zealand at the same venue, Rawal led India’s winning march with a convincing 122.

In her absence, Amanjot Kaur opened with Smriti Mandhana. The duo posted 57 in 8.4 overs while chasing 120 off 27 overs before rain halted the match for the third and final time. While Amanjot remained unbeaten on 15 off 25 balls, Mandhana carried her usual form with a 34 off 27 balls.

Earlier, India’s Radha Yadav (3/30), Shree Charani (2/23) and Deepti Sharma (1/24) spun a web around the Bangladesh batters. Pacers Renuka Singh and Amanjot picked a wicket each.

Wicketkeeper Uma Chetry made her ODI debut and received the cap from Mandhana. She became the first ever player from Assam to play for India in the World Cup. Chetry, who hails from Bokakhat, replaced Richa Ghosh, who was rested ahead of the semifinal.