Harmanpreet Kaur Updates on Pratika Rawal's Injury Ahead of Semifinal

Match Abandonment and Injury Update

India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has shared news regarding opener Pratika Rawal's injury following the abandonment of their final league match against Bangladesh in the Women's World Cup 2025 due to rain at DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on October 26.

In a rain-shortened match, Bangladesh was limited to 119 runs for 9 wickets in 27 overs. India was set a target of 127 runs according to the DLS method. The opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Amanjot Kaur provided a solid start, reaching 57 runs without loss in just 8.4 overs before rain halted play, ultimately leading to the match's cancellation.

Radha Yadav was the standout bowler for India, achieving figures of 3 wickets for 30 runs in her 6 overs. Shree Charani also contributed with two wickets for 23 runs. Other bowlers, including Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh Thakur, each took one wicket.

BCCI's Statement on Pratika Rawal's Condition

Team India faced a potential setback when Pratika Rawal twisted her ankle while fielding on a wet outfield, which led to her leaving the field after receiving medical attention. This raised concerns about her availability for the upcoming semifinal against Australia.

Following her exit, the BCCI Women released a statement indicating that Pratika had sustained injuries to her knee and ankle, and that the medical team was closely monitoring her recovery.

"#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," the statement noted on X (formerly Twitter).

UPDATE #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. #WomenInBlue | #CWC25 | #INDvBAN

Harmanpreet Kaur's Optimism

During the post-match presentation, Harmanpreet Kaur refrained from disclosing the severity of Pratika's injury, leaving that to the medical team. However, she expressed hope that Pratika would recover in time for the crucial match against Australia.

"Pratika - our medical team will update on her. They are taking care of her injury, and hopefully, she will be back soon," the captain stated.

Due to her ankle injury, Pratika was unable to open the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana, prompting Amanjot Kaur to step up as an opener in her place. The BCCI is expected to provide further updates on Pratika's condition and her potential participation in the semifinal.

Looking Ahead to the Semifinal

Despite the final league match being abandoned, Team India secured their place in the semifinals after a victory over New Zealand in their previous match.

Reflecting on the upcoming semifinal against the defending champions, Australia, Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the significance of the match but expressed satisfaction with the team's performance throughout the league stage. She hopes to maintain that momentum into the knockout rounds.

"It’s a very important game for us. I personally feel we’ve played really good cricket in the league matches. Now the next game is very crucial," Harmanpreet told Anjum Chopra during the post-match presentation.

"Everyone has contributed whenever the team needed, and that’s something we’ll carry forward. We’ve always spoken about enjoying ourselves while playing, and I think that’s the key for us - to go out there and enjoy the semis," she added.

India will face Australia for the second time in the Women's World Cup 2025, having previously lost to them by three wickets in the group stage. The team will aim to avenge that defeat and secure a spot in the final.