Injury scare for India! Pratika Rawal hobbles off with ankle twist ahead of semifinal clash against Australia - Watch

India's World Cup campaign faced a significant setback as opener Pratika Rawal sustained a twisted ankle during the match against Bangladesh. The in-form batter hobbled off, raising concerns about her availability for the crucial semifinal against Australia. Rawal's absence would be a major blow, given her stellar performances, including a recent century.

Pratika Rawal (Video grab)

NEW DELHI: India were dealt a major injury scare on Sunday as in-form opener Pratika Rawal hobbled off the field after twisting her ankle during their ICC Women’s World Cup group match against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Fielding at deep midwicket, Rawal appeared to twist her right ankle while attempting to stop a boundary on the final ball of the 21st over. The ball trickled away to the fence as she fell awkwardly on the wet outfield, which had remained uncovered throughout the rain-affected contest.

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The 25-year-old looked visibly in pain as India’s medical staff rushed onto the field. A stretcher was quickly brought in, but Rawal chose to hobble off with the help of team personnel, avoiding it. Watch: Pratika Rawal's freak injury while fielding “Team India all-rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the first innings against Bangladesh. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress,” the Indian team management confirmed in a statement. Rawal has been one of India’s standout performers in the tournament, forming a formidable opening partnership with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Just days earlier, she had struck a match-winning 122 against New Zealand to power India into the semifinals. Her availability will now be a key concern for the team ahead of Thursday’s all-important semi-final clash against Australia. Despite the scare, India dominated Bangladesh, restricting them to 119/9 in a 27-over rain-truncated contest. Radha Yadav (3/30) and Shree Charani (2/23) led the bowling effort, while Sharmin Akhter (36) and Sobhana Mostary (26) were the only batters to offer resistance for the visitors. The incident cast a shadow over an otherwise controlled display by India. As the team gears up for their semifinal showdown with their fiercest rivals, all eyes will now be on Rawal’s recovery. The 25-year-old’s fitness could play a decisive role in India’s pursuit of their maiden Women’s World Cup title, and the team will hope for a swift return to full strength.

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