In a major blow to India, opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia after suffering an ankle injury during the final league match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. Rawal, the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, could also miss the final if India make it through.
The incident occurred in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings when Sharmin Akter pulled a delivery from Deepti Sharma toward deep midwicket. As Rawal moved to her left in an attempt to stop the ball, her foot appeared to get stuck in the turf, causing her ankle to twist awkwardly. She fell to the ground in visible pain and had to be helped off the field by the physio.
Although a stretcher was brought out, Rawal managed to walk off the field with support. She did not bat in India’s short innings after rain reduced the match to 8.4 overs, with Amanjot Kaur opening alongside Smriti Mandhana. Amanjot remained unbeaten on 15 as the game ended due to rain.
Rawal, 25, has been one of India’s standout performers in the tournament, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 77.77. She played a crucial 75-run knock against Australia earlier in the tournament and smashed a match-winning 122 against New Zealand. Her performances also saw her become the joint-fastest player to reach 1000 runs in women’s ODIs.
Rawal and Mandhana have formed one of the most successful opening pairs of the tournament, featuring in two of the top five highest partnerships — 212 against New Zealand and 155 against Australia.
With Rawal sidelined, India will need to find a new partner for Mandhana. Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol are the front-runners, while Uma Chetry and Jemimah Rodrigues are also potential options.
The BCCI has yet to confirm whether Rawal will be available for the final, should India qualify, or if a replacement will be named. Tejal Hasabnis is the only reserve batter in the squad.
India will face Australia in the semi-final on October 30 in Navi Mumbai.