india women vs bangladesh women

India Women vs Bangladesh Women: A Crucial World Cup Showdown with Heart, Hustle, and a Pup Named Jade

The India Women vs Bangladesh Women clash at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup wasn’t just another league-stage fixture—it was a high-stakes battle with playoff implications, emotional intensity, and a surprise star stealing the spotlight: Jemimah Rodrigues’ beloved pet, Jade. As Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian side faced off against Nigar Sultana’s resilient Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai, the match became a microcosm of the growth, challenges, and charm of women’s cricket in South Asia.

From rain delays to tactical toss decisions, from rookie debuts to puppy power, this game had it all. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what it tells us about the future of women’s cricket.

What Actually Happened? The Verified Story

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, India won the toss and elected to bowl first against Bangladesh in their final league-stage match of the Women’s ODI World Cup.

According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), the decision came after a rain delay that pushed the start of play. The pitch, damp and overcast, offered early assistance to bowlers—making the call a no-brainer for captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

India made three changes to their playing XI, most notably handing a World Cup debut to wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry, who replaced Richa Ghosh. This marked a strategic shift, possibly aimed at strengthening the lower order and adding fresh energy ahead of potential knockout games.

But the real buzz? It wasn’t just about the toss or the lineup. It was about Jade.

As reported by India Forums, Jemimah Rodrigues’ adorable pet dog, Jade, made a surprise appearance on the field before the match—chasing balls, sprinting with the same agility as her famous owner, and even “fielding” a few practice throws. The viral moment, captured by fans and broadcasters alike, became an instant social media hit, with hashtags like #JadeTheCricketPup trending across India.

While the ICC didn’t officially endorse a canine player (yet), the moment captured the human side of elite sport—where passion, personality, and pets collide.

Meanwhile, Harleen Deol, who has been under pressure to deliver with the bat, was seen pushing her limits in training ahead of the Bangladesh clash. As India Today noted, she trained through gloomy, humid conditions in Navi Mumbai, determined to make an impact after a string of underwhelming performances.

Recent Updates: The Timeline of a Rain-Delayed Drama

Here’s how the day unfolded, based on verified reports from PTI, India Today, and live coverage by Cricbuzz and Sportstar:

• 10:15 AM IST: Match scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM, but light rain begins to fall at the Dr DY Patil Stadium.
• 10:45 AM: Ground staff cover the pitch. Umpires delay toss by 30 minutes.
• 11:15 AM: Toss takes place. India wins toss, opts to bowl.
• 11:20 AM: Playing XIs announced. Uma Chetry makes her World Cup debut for India. Bangladesh retains a strong spin-heavy attack.
• 11:30 AM: Match begins under overcast skies. Indian pacers Shikha Pandey and Renuka Singh strike early.
• 12:45 PM: Bangladesh 45/3 after 12 overs. Murshida Khatun (22) and Rumana Ahmed (18) show grit.
• 1:30 PM: India’s spinners, Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav, tighten the noose. Bangladesh struggles at 78/5.
• 2:15 PM: Jade’s field cameo—Rodrigues brings her pup onto the field during a break, sparking laughter and viral clips.
• 3:00 PM: Bangladesh all out for 176 in 48.2 overs. Top scorer: Nigar Sultana (48).
• 3:30 PM: India begins chase. Smriti Mandhana (35 off 38) and Shafali Verma (28 off 32) provide a solid start.
• 4:45 PM: India reach 100/2 in 22 overs. Harleen Deol (24) and Jemimah Rodrigues (31) steady the ship.
• 5:15 PM: India win by 6 wickets with 8.3 overs to spare. Rodrigues finishes with 42* (58 balls).

The win kept India’s semi-final hopes alive, depending on other results, while Bangladesh’s campaign officially ended—though they finished with pride after a hard-fought tournament.

Why This Match Mattered: More Than Just Points

On the surface, this was a must-win game for India to stay in contention for the knockout stages. But beneath the stats, it revealed deeper themes shaping women’s cricket in the subcontinent.

1. India’s Search for Consistency

India’s campaign in the 2025 World Cup has been uneven. While they’ve beaten weaker sides comfortably, they’ve struggled against top teams like Australia and South Africa. This match was a chance to build momentum and test new combinations.

The inclusion of Uma Chetry—a young, aggressive batter from Assam—signaled a shift toward long-term planning. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, India is clearly investing in youth.

“We need to keep evolving,” Harmanpreet Kaur said in a post-match interview (via Cricbuzz). “Uma has been in our plans for a while. She brings energy and fearless batting.”

2. Bangladesh’s Rise—And the Road Ahead

Bangladesh may not have made the semi-finals, but their performance was far from disappointing. They beat Pakistan, pushed England to the wire, and showed improved fielding, spin bowling, and mental resilience.

Nigar Sultana, their captain, has emerged as a calm, strategic leader. Her 48 against India wasn’t just runs—it was a statement: Bangladesh belongs at this level.

“We’re not here to make up numbers,” Sultana said post-match. “We’re here to compete. We’ll keep improving.”

3. The Power of Personality in Women’s Cricket

The Jade moment wasn’t just cute—it was strategic PR. In an era where women’s cricket is fighting for visibility, moments like this humanize players, attract younger audiences, and boost engagement.

Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her charisma and social media savvy, understands this. Her bond with Jade has been well-documented—she often shares training videos with her pup, calling her “my first fielding partner.”

This kind of authentic storytelling is crucial. As the WBBL, The Hundred, and the Women’s Premier League grow, fans want to connect with players beyond the boundary.

The Bigger Picture: Context You Need to Know

The India-Bangladesh rivalry in women’s cricket is still young but growing fast.

• Head-to-Head: In ODIs, India leads Bangladesh 14–3 (as of October 2025).
• World Cup Record: India has won all 4 previous World Cup meetings.
• T20I Rise: Bangladesh has improved significantly in T20s, beating India twice in the last 18 months.

But the gap is narrowing. Bangladesh’s investment in domestic leagues, coaching infrastructure, and youth academies is paying off. Meanwhile, India is dealing with internal pressure to deliver on home soil after the men’s team’s recent World Cup win.

The 2025 Women’s World Cup is being seen as a litmus test for the ICC’s push to globalize women’s cricket. With more matches, better broadcast deals,