India vs Bangladesh: Harmanpreet Kaur Wins Toss, Uma Chetry Makes Historic Debut for India
Navi Mumbai, October 26 (TheTrendingPeople.com): The Indian women’s cricket team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss and chose to bowl first against Bangladesh in Match 28 of the ICC Women’s World Cup at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
However, the much-anticipated match saw a delay right from the beginning, as rain interrupted proceedings twice — first delaying the toss by more than 30 minutes, and then forcing the ground staff to bring the covers back shortly after play was set to begin.
Rain Delays and Toss Drama
Cricket fans in Navi Mumbai witnessed anxious moments as overcast skies loomed large throughout the morning. The toss finally took place after a 30-minute delay, only for another spell of rain to halt progress once again. The ground staff worked tirelessly to drain the water and protect the pitch, keeping the hopes alive for an uninterrupted contest later in the day.
Harmanpreet Kaur, speaking at the toss, said the decision to bowl first was guided by the weather conditions. “The overcast conditions are ideal for our bowlers. We also expect a few more showers later, so chasing would be the better option,” she remarked.
Uma Chetry Creates History for Assam
The day was a special one for Indian cricket as Uma Chetry, the wicketkeeper-batter from Assam, became the first cricketer from the state to represent India at the senior level. The 21-year-old’s inclusion marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket in the northeast region, long considered an underrepresented area in Indian cricket.
Chetry replaced Richa Ghosh, who sustained a finger injury in India’s previous game against New Zealand. India also made two other changes — resting Kranti Gaud and Sneh Rana, with Amanjot Kaur and Radha Yadav coming into the playing XI.
Harmanpreet Kaur lauded Chetry’s rise, saying the team was “excited to see fresh energy and talent coming in from Assam.”
Bangladesh Seek Redemption
For Nigar Sultana Joty, captain of Bangladesh, the toss result was no disappointment. Confident in her side’s bowling depth, she expressed satisfaction with batting first. “Our bowlers have been doing well. If we can put up around 230 runs, that should be a good total in these conditions,” she said before the match.
Joty also spoke about the team’s struggle to bounce back after a few tough losses. “It’s been difficult, but we’re focusing on one match at a time. We have to play our best cricket against a strong side like India,” she added.
Why This Match Matters
Though the semifinal lineup has already been decided, the clash between India and Bangladesh holds significant importance for both teams.
For India, the game serves as a crucial opportunity to fine-tune combinations before their semifinal face-off with Australia at the same venue on October 30. The team’s confidence is high after their commanding win over New Zealand, and maintaining momentum will be key ahead of the knockout stage.
For Bangladesh, this is a chance to make a statement. Defeating a top-four team like India would be a major boost for their growing women’s cricket program. It’s also an opportunity to test their batting resilience against one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament.
Playing XIs
India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Uma Chetry (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Singh
Bangladesh: Sumaiya Akter, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (capt/wk), Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi
Match Outlook
If weather permits, fans can expect a competitive contest. India’s bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, has been in superb form, while Bangladesh’s top order will be under pressure to build a solid foundation.
The conditions at DY Patil Stadium are likely to assist bowlers early on, making the first ten overs crucial for both sides. As the clouds hover over Navi Mumbai, the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method may also play a decisive role in the outcome.
Local and National Impact
Uma Chetry’s debut has sparked celebration not only in Assam but across the northeastern region of India, where her success is being seen as an inspiration for many aspiring young athletes. The Assam Cricket Association issued a congratulatory statement, calling it “a proud moment for the state and a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket.”
Her inclusion also highlights India’s growing focus on talent scouting from all corners of the country, strengthening the grassroots structure for women’s cricket.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
While the match may not alter the semifinal standings, its symbolic and emotional value runs deep. For India, it’s about momentum and preparation ahead of the knockout. For Bangladesh, it’s about pride and proving their progress on the world stage.
But above all, this game will be remembered for Uma Chetry’s historic debut — a shining moment for Indian cricket’s inclusive and evolving journey.