India’s Semi-Final Hopes Shaken as Pratika Rawal Ruled Out with Injury

Image Source: Times Now

India’s Women’s World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback ahead of the semi-final clash against Australia. Star opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during the final league match against Bangladesh. Her absence disrupts India’s top-order stability and raises selection challenges.

Injury Blow Hits India Ahead of Crucial Knockout Clash

In a dramatic turn of events, India’s preparations for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia have been jolted by the injury of star opener Pratika Rawal. Rawal, who has been in stellar form throughout the tournament, twisted her ankle while fielding during India’s final league-stage match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai.

The incident occurred in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings when Rawal’s foot got stuck in the damp turf while chasing a ball to the boundary. She collapsed in visible pain and had to be assisted off the field by medical staff. Despite initial hopes of recovery, medical assessments have confirmed that Rawal will miss the semi-final—and possibly the final, should India advance.

Rawal’s absence is particularly concerning given her consistent performance. She is the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, having amassed 308 runs in six innings. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana has been instrumental in India’s dominant run so far, and her exit leaves a significant void at the top of the order.

In the rain-affected match against Bangladesh, Amanjot Kaur stepped in as opener alongside Mandhana, hinting at a possible lineup adjustment for the semi-final. Team management is reportedly considering backup options while monitoring other players’ fitness, including wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who is nursing a finger injury.

Key Updates and Major Takeaways

•⁠ ⁠Confirmed Injury: Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the semi-final due to an ankle injury.

•⁠ ⁠Incident Details: Injury occurred during fielding in the 21st over against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai.

•⁠ ⁠Top Performer: Rawal is the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 308 runs from six matches.

•⁠ ⁠Opening Disruption: Her absence breaks the successful opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana.

•⁠ ⁠Replacement Watch: Amanjot Kaur opened in the last match and may continue in Rawal’s place.

•⁠ ⁠Additional Concerns: Richa Ghosh’s fitness remains uncertain following a finger injury.

India’s semi-final against Australia on October 30 now carries added pressure, not just from the opposition but from the need to recalibrate their batting strategy. Rawal’s injury is a reminder of the unpredictability of sport—and the resilience required to overcome it.

Sources: India Today

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