India sets sights on Bangladesh clash to hone semi-final strategies

As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 progresses, India gears up for a crucial clash against Bangladesh. This match serves as a final preparation for India’s semi-final strategies. Having already secured a place in the knockout stages, the team aims to maintain momentum following their recent victory over New Zealand. This win ended a three-match losing streak and showcased India’s capability to perform when it matters most.

India’s Performance Overview

India’s recent performance has highlighted several key players. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have consistently provided strong starts. Jemimah Rodrigues had a standout performance against New Zealand, displaying her potential with a brisk innings. All-rounder Deepti Sharma has been instrumental, balancing the team with her contributions both with bat and ball.

Bowling coach Avishkar Salvi praised Renuka Singh, highlighting her effectiveness with the new ball and her impressive strike rate. With several strong performances, India appears to be in formidable shape. They may also consider testing their bench strength before heading into the semi-finals.

Injury Updates and Squad Changes

Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh is likely to be rested due to a finger injury she sustained against New Zealand. In her absence, Uma Chetry has been practicing diligently, potentially stepping in as her replacement. Moreover, seamer Kranti Gaud, who has participated in every match so far, could receive a much-deserved break.

Bangladesh’s Campaign Insights

Conversely, Bangladesh has faced a challenging tournament. Despite their potential, missed opportunities have hindered their progress. Their journey began positively with a win over Pakistan. However, subsequent matches against England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka ended in disappointment, resulting in the team sitting last on the points table with only two points from six matches.

Batter Sobhana Mostary shared that the team struggled mentally after their narrow loss to Sri Lanka, where they fell short while chasing just 12 runs in the final overs. Nonetheless, Bangladesh aims to finish their campaign strongly against the hosts, hoping to create an upset.

Navi Mumbai Weather and Pitch Conditions

The weather in Navi Mumbai has been unpredictable, with frequent showers hampering practice sessions for both teams. The forecast predicts a 70% chance of rain during the match, likely affecting play. The pitch, known for its batting-friendly nature, saw 340 runs scored in 49 overs during the last match. However, bowlers may find some assistance with the new ball, especially under overcast conditions.

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, India holds the upper hand in their encounters with Bangladesh, winning six out of eight matches. Their last series saw Bangladesh clinch a win for the first time and manage a tie, resulting in a 1-1 series draw.

Predicted Playing XI

For the upcoming match, the predicted lineups are as follows:

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on both teams to see how they adapt and perform under pressure.