Women’s World Cup, Pratika Rawal’s Injury Raises Alarm for India as Bangladesh Clash Washed Out Before Semis
Unseasonal rains wash out India’s final group match, but opener Pratika Rawal’s knee and ankle injury emerges as a major worry before the semifinal against Australia.
NAVI MUMBAI, Oct 27 — Team India’s preparations for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia hit a major setback as star opener Pratika Rawal sustained a knee and ankle injury during the rain affected match against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
The 28th match of the tournament was eventually abandoned due to persistent rain, but the bigger concern for India is Rawal’s fitness ahead of the October 30 semifinal at the same venue.
Rawal, who recently scored her maiden World Cup century against New Zealand, slipped on the wet outfield while trying to save a boundary at long-on off a shot from Sharmin Akhter in the 21st over. The incident occurred after two rain interruptions that had already reduced the game to 27 overs per side.
According to the BCCI, “Team India all rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the first innings against Bangladesh. The medical team is closely monitoring her progress.”
Eyewitnesses said Rawal twisted her right ankle while turning sharply on the slippery surface. Despite the efforts of ground staff, sections of the field remained soggy due to incomplete cover during the rain delays a factor that may have contributed to the accident.
Before the match was called off, India were cruising at 57 without loss, chasing a DLS adjusted target of 126. However, the result was declared a no result, with both teams sharing points.
Rawal’s injury casts a shadow over India’s semifinal plans. She and Smriti Mandhana have formed one of the most successful opening pairs in women’s ODI cricket, having added nearly 1,500 runs this year. Rawal herself is just shy of becoming the second Indian woman to score 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year, after Mandhana.
If Rawal fails to recover in time, it could significantly impact India’s campaign against the formidable Australian side, which has already qualified as the top team in the group stage.
