ICC Women’s World Cup: Indian opener ruled out of the semi-finals after a horrific injury

Indian opener Pratika Rawal will miss the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia due to a serious ankle and knee injury sustained while fielding against Bangladesh.

Rawal had to be taken out on a stretcher after the injury. Image | BCCI Women on X

Indian opener Pratika Rawal is set to miss the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia due to a serious ankle and knee injury sustained during the final league match against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

How did the injury happen?

The 25-year-old raw talent suffered the injury in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings while fielding at deep midwicket. Attempting to stop a boundary ball, Rawal overran and fell awkwardly, twisting her right ankle underneath her weight. Though a stretcher was summoned, she hobbled off the field with assistance, indicating the injury's severity but not a full fracture.

The match was ultimately abandoned due to persistent rain, and India's chances were further dampened by this blow just days before their crucial semifinal clash.

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Rawal was in excellent form

Rawal, who has been a key player for India in this World Cup, is the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 308 runs from six innings at an average of 51.33, featuring a century and a half-century.

Her injury is a major setback for the "Women in Blue," who will now have to reconsider their opening batting combination.

In her absence, seam-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur opened alongside vice-captain Smriti Mandhana in the truncated match against Bangladesh, showcasing a makeshift solution to fill the void temporarily.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team is closely monitoring her condition, but sources indicate that it is unlikely she will recover in time to participate in the semifinal or possibly the remainder of the tournament.

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BCCI looking for a substitution

The Indian cricket team's management is expected to seek an official injury replacement, pending approval from the ICC's Technical Committee.

Potential replacements being discussed include players like Harleen Deol, Uma Chetry, and Tejal Hasabnis, who could step up to fill the critical opening spot alongside Mandhana in hopes of maintaining the team's strong form.

India, having finished the league phase with seven points, aims to overcome this setback as they prepare to face the reigning champions, Australia, in a high-stakes semifinal at the same venue on Thursday.

Where to watch the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?

Fans in India can catch all the action of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 matches live via JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium, which will offer seamless streaming of this exciting T20I series.

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