Rain and injuries have thrown a curveball into the final days of the Women’s Cricket World Cup group stage, setting the stage for a dramatic run-in to the semi-finals. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, the much-anticipated clash between India and Bangladesh was washed out, leaving both teams and fans frustrated. Meanwhile, England’s comfortable victory over New Zealand in Visakhapatnam was marred by a potentially pivotal injury to their star spinner Sophie Ecclestone.
Let’s start with the soggy scene in Navi Mumbai. India, co-hosts and perennial contenders for the elusive World Cup title, were looking to fine-tune their game ahead of a blockbuster semi-final against defending champions Australia. But the weather had other ideas. Persistent rain meant the final league match was abandoned, marking the sixth time in this tournament that rain has forced a no-result—five of those in Colombo, and now one in India’s own backyard.
Before the heavens opened, India had been handed a revised target of 126 in 27 overs after Bangladesh, put in to bat, struggled to 119 for 9. The Indian bowlers, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, were in top form. Radha’s figures of 3 for 30 told the story: she not only took key wickets but also ran out Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana with a sharp throw from backward point. Shree Charani chipped in with two wickets, ensuring Bangladesh never found their footing.
The Bangladesh innings was a stop-start affair. Rain first reduced the game to 43 overs per side, then another downpour forced a further reduction. At 39 for 2 in 12.2 overs, the players were forced off again. After a two-hour, 14-minute break, play resumed, but Bangladesh’s momentum was broken. Sharmin Akhter (36) and Sobhana Mostary (26 off 21 balls) tried to rebuild, but Radha Yadav’s crafty spin undid their efforts. Bangladesh limped to a below-par total, leaving India with a modest chase.
India’s reply began with a twist. Regular opener Pratika Rawal twisted her ankle while fielding and had to leave the field, prompting Amanjot Kaur to step up and open alongside Smriti Mandhana. The pair made a brisk start, reaching 57 without loss in just 8.4 overs—Mandhana not out on 34, Kaur on 15—before the rain returned with a vengeance, ending any hope of a result.
For India, the washout was a double-edged sword. On one hand, they missed out on valuable match practice ahead of their semi-final showdown with Australia. On the other, they avoided any last-minute injuries or upsets. Still, with six matches falling victim to rain in this World Cup, the tournament’s schedule and format have come under scrutiny. Fans and pundits alike are left wondering: will the weather play a decisive role in the knockouts?
While India’s semi-final fate was unaffected, the no-result ensured that the team’s focus now shifts squarely to the high-stakes clash against seven-time champions Australia in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 30. The other semi-final, to be played in Guwahati, will see England take on South Africa on Wednesday, October 29.
But England have concerns of their own. Their dominant eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Visakhapatnam should have been a cause for celebration. Chasing 169, England’s openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont put on their fourth 50-plus stand of the tournament. Beaumont’s quickfire 40 off 38 balls set the tone, while Jones anchored the chase with an unbeaten 86—her second half-century of the competition and 16th in ODIs. England reached their target in just 29.2 overs, bouncing back from a six-wicket defeat to Australia earlier in the week.
Yet, all eyes were on Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked ODI bowler, who left the field in visible discomfort after injuring her left shoulder in the very first over. Chasing a ball to the boundary, Ecclestone’s knee appeared to lock and she landed awkwardly, jarring her bowling arm. She did return to bowl, picking up the wicket of Brooke Halliday—caught by Sophia Dunkley at deep mid-wicket—but managed only four deliveries before calling it a day. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed she was receiving treatment, but her availability for the semi-final remains in doubt.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt addressed the situation after the match, telling Sky Sports: “I don’t know anything further, but it (Ecclestone’s departure) was definitely precautionary. We’ve got a huge match coming up against South Africa. We wouldn’t want to risk anything now and we’ll know more in a few days.”
The significance of Ecclestone’s potential absence cannot be overstated. With 137 wickets in 81 ODIs, she is England’s go-to weapon in crunch situations. Her injury leaves a gap that will be hard to fill, especially against a South African side hungry for their first final appearance. Linsey Smith, who took 3 for 30 against New Zealand, and Charlie Dean, who marked her 100th international appearance with a wicket, two catches, and a smart run-out, will need to step up in the semi-final if Ecclestone is sidelined.
England’s path to the final is now clear: finish the job against South Africa, and they’ll face either India or Australia in the title showdown on November 2, back at Navi Mumbai. There’s an interesting twist—because England finished second in the group phase, if the Guwahati semi-final is rain-affected or abandoned, they would progress to the final by virtue of their higher group standing. That’s a small silver lining in a tournament increasingly at the mercy of the weather gods.
As the semi-finals approach, all four teams face their own challenges. India must shake off the rust from an abandoned match and hope Pratika Rawal recovers quickly. England will be sweating on Ecclestone’s fitness updates. South Africa, who have quietly built momentum, and Australia, the perennial favorites, both look to capitalize on any slip-ups from their rivals.
With the final set for November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium, the Women’s Cricket World Cup is poised for a thrilling finish—provided the rain stays away and the stars remain fit. Fans can only wait and watch as the drama unfolds, with every ball and every drop of rain potentially shaping cricketing history.