Pratika Rawal Ruled Out of Women’s World Cup Semi-final Against Australia After Ankle Injury

Pratika Rawal Ruled Out of Women’s World Cup Semi-final Against Australia After Ankle Injury

India have suffered a major setback ahead of their Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final clash against Australia on October 30, with opener Pratika Rawal ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Rawal, the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, twisted her ankle during India’s final league-stage game against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. The 25-year-old sustained the injury in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings while fielding at deep midwicket. Attempting to cut off a boundary from Sharmin Akter’s pull shot, Rawal’s foot got stuck in the turf, causing her ankle to twist awkwardly.

Although a stretcher was brought onto the field, Rawal chose to walk off with assistance from the physio. She did not take the field again and did not bat in India’s short chase, where Amanjot Kaur opened with Smriti Mandhana before rain ended the match prematurely.

Rawal has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 77.77. Her standout performances include a 75-run knock against Australia in Visakhapatnam and a match-winning 122 against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai — an innings that also saw her become the joint-fastest batter to 1000 runs in women’s ODIs.

She has been instrumental in India’s success, featuring in two of the tournament’s top five partnerships — 212 against New Zealand and 155 against Australia — both alongside Mandhana.

With Rawal ruled out, India face a crucial decision on who will partner Mandhana at the top of the order. Amanjot Kaur, who opened in the last game, remains a likely choice, while Harleen Deol, Uma Chetry, and Jemimah Rodrigues are also possible options. Chetry has prior experience opening in T20Is and World Cup warm-ups, while Rodrigues has opened in ODIs earlier in her career.

There has been no confirmation yet on whether Rawal will recover in time for the final, should India advance. Among the reserves, Tejal Hasabnis is the only specialist batter available for selection.

India will face defending champions Australia in the semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on October 30.