Women's World Cup 2025: 'Bat nahi laga' - Smriti Mandhana in disbelief after dismissal against Australia

Published - 30 Oct 2025, 22:47 IST | Updated - 30 Oct 2025, 22:47 IST

Smriti Mandhana was left shocked after the big screen at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai confirmed that she had nicked the ball down the on-side during the second semi-final of the Women's World Cup 2025. Smriti was dismissed for a run-a-ball 24 in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 30.

The dramatic moment unfolded on the second ball of the 10th over of the run-chase. The delivery was bowled down the leg side by Kim Garth. Alyssa Healy collected it cleanly and immediately went up in appeal. The on-field call was that of a wide. Despite this, Healy & Co. went upstairs to challenge the decision.

The UltraEdge took a few moments to load as Smriti and Jemimah Rodrigues chatted mid-pitch, almost sure that it was a wide. However, the technology conveyed otherwise. Mandhana was in sheer disbelief and was captured stating 'bat nahi laga' (there was no bat) to Jemimah before walking back perplexed on what had gone down. On the other hand, the Australians roared in delight.

Smriti was Garth's second wicket of the evening after Shafali Verma (10 off 5). Shafali was trapped in front after striking a boundary on the very preceding delivery of the over. From that point onwards, it was all Jemimah Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur till the 36th over by when Kaur holed out to Ashleigh Gardner at deep midwicket.

Speaking of the first innings, Australia were bowled out for 338 in 49.5 overs. Phoebe Litchfield top-scored with 119 off 93 in a knock which comprised 17 fours and three sixes. There were two half-centurions in the form of Ellyse Perry (77 off 88) and Gardner (63 off 45). Shree Charani was the pick of the bowlers. The left-arm spinner finished with figures of 2/49 in 10 overs.