New Delhi: India will miss the services of in-form opener Pratika Rawal in the all-important semi-final against Australia after the opening batter was ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Pratika injured her ankle and knee while fielding during India’s final group-stage match against Bangladesh on Sunday and is unlikely to return to action anytime soon.

The 25-year-old’s foot got caught in the ground while she was attempting to save a boundary, resulting in her ankle getting twisted badly. The opening batter was in excellent form for India in the tournament, having amassed 308 runs in six innings at a brilliant average of 51.33, including a century and a half-century.

She had formed a formidable opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana at the top, providing India with strong starts at the top consistently. Her injury is a huge blow for Team India ahead of the crucial semi-final against seven-time champions Australia on Thursday, October 30. Pratika’s absence has severely disrupted........

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