Pratika Rawal Suffers Ankle Injury, Misses Opening Slot in India’s Chase Against Bangladesh

India opener Pratika Rawal did not come out to open the innings in their Women’s World Cup league match against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai after suffering a knee and ankle injury while fielding earlier in the game.

The incident occurred during the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings in a rain-hit encounter when Rawal attempted to prevent a boundary off a shot from Sharmin Akhter. In her effort to chase the ball towards long-on, Rawal twisted her right ankle and had to be assisted off the field.

With Rawal unable to open, Amanjot Kaur partnered Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order during India’s chase.

In an official statement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that its medical team is “closely monitoring her progress.” The update comes just days before India’s semi-final clash against Australia, scheduled for Thursday.

Rawal has been one of India’s standout performers in the tournament, currently the second-highest run-scorer with 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33. She had struck a fine century in India’s previous game against New Zealand, underlining her crucial role in the team’s batting lineup.

India will be hoping for positive news on Rawal’s fitness as they prepare for their knockout match later this week.