Sun Oct 26 23:10:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

India Sweats Over Injured Opener Rawal as Rain Washes Out Bangladesh Match

NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – India’s preparations for the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final suffered a major blow on Sunday after in-form opener Pratika Rawal sustained an ankle injury during their final league stage match against Bangladesh. The match was ultimately abandoned due to persistent rain.

Rawal, who has been instrumental in India’s success in the tournament, twisted her right ankle while fielding in the 21st over of the Bangladesh innings at the DY Patil Stadium. She was fielding at deep mid-wicket when her foot got stuck in the damp outfield. The injury prevented her from opening the innings with Smriti Mandhana.

Rawal is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, having amassed 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a century against New Zealand earlier in the tournament that secured India’s semi-final spot. Mandhana leads the scoring charts with 365 runs.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her concern about Rawal’s condition. “The medical team is monitoring Pratika and hopefully, they will provide an update soon,” Kaur said after the match was called off. “This is a very important match (the semi-final) for us. We have played very good cricket in the league matches and everyone has contributed, which we will continue to do.”

The Indian team will be anxiously awaiting updates on Rawal’s fitness ahead of their semi-final clash against Australia on October 30th. The abandonment of the match against Bangladesh, which was already a dead rubber, due to rain will add to the frustration, as Rawal’s injury came in a match that ultimately had no bearing on India’s semi-final qualification.

At the time of the abandonment, India were 57/0 in 8.4 overs, chasing a target of 126.

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