India opener Pratika Rawal was helped off the field after suffering a freak knee and ankle injury in a rain-hit India v Bangladesh Women's World Cup 2025 game in Navi Mumbai.
Rawal, who has been in great touch since she made her debut in December, suffered a bad injury during the final group fixture, between India and Bangladesh, at Navi Mumbai.
Pratika Rawal injured during World Cup match
The 25-year-old twisted her ankle (and knee) while chasing a delivery in the outfield. She immediately crumpled to the ground, and was surrounded by teammates. Clearly in pain, she was helped to her feet even as the stretcher was called out. Her teammates helped her up, and took her past the ropes.
Rawal was chasing the ball from deep midwicket, running to her left towards long-on when she seemed to have overrun and twisted her right leg. The incident occurred after a two-hour rain break, where only a part of the outfield was covered as rain came pouring in.
Match 28, India Women vs Bangladesh Women
vs
- Ball by ball Over
The match was reduced to 27-overs-a-side, after being initially shortened to 43 overs. Put in to bat, Bangladesh ended with 119-9 in 27 overs.
It remains to be seen if she returns to the field, but given the context of the game and how serious the injury looks, it seems unlikely. India have already qualified for the semi-final and are due to play Australia at the same venue on October 30.
In the previous game, against New Zealand, Pratika became the joint-fastest to 1,000 Women's ODI runs. She is also currently the second-highest run-scorer in the ongoing tournament, with 308 runs at 51.33, only behind Smriti Mandhana.
BCCI monitoring Rawal's progress
A statement from BCCI Women said: "#TeamIndia all-rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the 1st innings against Bangladesh. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress."
Later, Radha Yadav also got her foot stuck on the ground while fielding during the 25th over, but was good enough to continue.
Rawal was replaced by Amanjot Kaur to partner Smriti Mandhana, with India requiring 126 in 27 overs, adjusted for DLS.
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