Indian opener Pratika Rawal injured her knee and ankle during India’s last league match versus Bangladesh in the current Women’s World Cup 2025 at Navi Mumbai. It happened while fielding during the first innings of a rain-affected game that experienced several interruptions.
How the Injury Occurred
The misfortune occurred from the last ball of the 21st over, when Bangladesh batswoman Sharmin Akter tried to pull a ball from Deepti Sharma over the line. Rushing to the left from the cow corner, Pratika Rawal’s foot jammed into the wet grass, and her ankle twisted at an awkward angle.
As the ball sprinted towards the boundary, Rawal at once gripped her ankle in visible pain. While a stretcher was rolled out, she decided to limp off with the aid of the physio. The BCCI Medical Team subsequently confirmed that Rawal is under close supervision for healing progress.
Impact on India’s Batting Line-Up
With Pratika Rawal not available to bat first, Amanjot Kaur replaced her and Smriti Mandhana for India’s run chase. India was dealt a blow with Rawal not being available since she had been performing consistently during the tournament.
Match Disrupted by Continued Rain
The India vs Bangladesh game was heavily impacted by rain delays. The match, originally set for 50 overs, began two hours late and was reduced to 43 overs per side. A second spell of rain halted play again, with Bangladesh struggling at 39 for 2 in 12.2 overs.
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Once play resumed at approximately 8:05 PM local time, the match was reduced further to 27 overs per side, although light drizzle persisted just prior to the resumption.
Rawal’s Excellent Tournament Performance
Prior to this defeat, Pratika Rawal had played in stupendous fashion. She is the second-leading run-scorer of the tournament after Smriti Mandhana with 308 runs at 51.33 average in six innings.
Rawal’s moment of glory came in India’s last match against New Zealand, when she hit a stunning century, leading India to a 53-run win and qualifying them for the semis.
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Another Scare for India: Radha Yadav’s Minor Slip
Compounding India’s concerns, Radha Yadav also seemed to hurt herself while fielding during the 25th over, having her foot caught on the grass while pulling off a boundary at point. Thankfully, she got better in no time and bowled the following over without any trouble.
India’s Road Ahead in the Women’s World Cup
Even if India lose to Bangladesh, they would have finished fourth in the league stage. They will now take on table-leaders Australia in Thursday’s second semi-final in Navi Mumbai.
Both fans and teammates are keeping fingers crossed that Pratika Rawal is able to shake off the injury in time for the important knockout match, as her presence in the top order is still crucial for India’s chances.
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