Follow UsPratika Rawal is India’s second leading run-scorer for India in this ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, just behind her opening partner Smriti Mandhana. However, if the visuals at the end of the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings are to be believed, Rawal would do well to be fit for the semi-final against Australia four days later.
Fielding at midwicket, Rawal ran hard to stop the swipe from Sharmin Akhter reaching the boundary; however, just when she neared the ball, her right foot got stuck in the turf that had soaked in a lot of rain before the 50-over contest began as a 27-over game. Her ankle twisted badly at that point, as the ball evaded her and went to the boundary.
She was immediately surrounded by teammates and the physio, who later had to help her off the field. While Rawal got on her feet somehow, it was clear that she couldn't put any weight on the right leg, whose ankle twisted at an unnatural angle.
It is assumed that Rawal might not come out to bat in the game today; however, what would concern India is that the semi-final against Australia is just four days later, and India don't have a ready-made opener to replace her. While Uma Chetry does have a lot of top-order experience, she isn't of the same pedigree as Rawal at the moment, who had scored a splendid century in the last game against New Zealand.
The BCCI haven't offered any further update on her injury at the time of writing this report, and is closely monitoring her progress at the moment.