Pratika Rawal’s World Cup campaign hit an unwelcome bump on Saturday evening when the opener twisted her left ankle while fielding in Navi Mumbai, forcing her to miss India’s reply against Bangladesh.
“The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress,” the board confirmed soon after the incident.
The injury came off the last ball of the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings. Sharmin Akter swung Deepti Sharma towards cow corner – the wide mid-wicket region – and Rawal sprinted round only for her foot to stick in the damp turf. She collapsed in visible pain as the ball rolled for four. A stretcher was waved on but, with the physio’s help, the 25-year-old hobbled off unaided. Amanjot Kaur subsequently partnered Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order.
Persistent showers had already played havoc with the schedule. The match started two hours late and was trimmed to 43 overs a side; another downpour at 12.2 overs left Bangladesh 39 for 2 and pushed the restart to 8.05 pm. When play finally resumed, it was a 27-over contest – light drizzle still falling as the players returned.
Rawal’s absence was a blow. She is the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, her 308 runs – average 51.33 – including a fine century against New Zealand that confirmed India’s semi-final berth. Her form, alongside Mandhana’s, has underpinned India’s progress despite a mixed group phase.
There was a second scare when Radha Yadav appeared to jar her foot while sliding at backward point in the 25th over. The left-arm spinner shook it off and even delivered the next over, yet the incident highlighted the treacherous outfield conditions.
Regardless of the result against Bangladesh, India were locked into fourth place and will meet unbeaten Australia in Thursday’s second semi-final, also in Navi Mumbai. Much will hinge on Rawal’s fitness; the medical team is expected to make a call once the swelling subsides.
For Bangladesh, the rain-curtailed fixture was another chance to test themselves against a higher-ranked side, though interruptions offered limited rhythm with both bat and ball.
A quiet night, then, dominated by weather and worry rather than runs. India now wait, hoping Rawal’s ankle heals in time for the biggest match of their tournament.
