Women's Cricket World Cup: Star Indian opener ruled out of Semi-final against Aussies - Hell breaks loose for India

Young Indian Women's cricketer Pratika Rawal, who smashed a splendid World Cup hundred against New Zealand, has been ruled out of the semi-final owing to a massive ankle sprain that she picked up during the Bangladesh match. This is the first and major blow for India's campaign in the Women's Cricket World Cup. 

The batter was under a major injury scare ahead of the knockout game in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2025, as India gears up to face the 7-time World Champions Australia in the semi-finals. The Aussies are undefeated in this World Cup as well, though they will miss the services of their skipper, Alyssa Healy, for the playoffs. 

Big Blow for India: Smirit Mandhana's batting partner Pratika Rawal ruled out of semi-finals

India's final group-stage game was against the neighbouring nation, Bangladesh. In the same match, Rawal suffered a painful ankle injury while fielding against Bangladesh. She slipped during the 21st over of the rain-hit game. 

Rawal sprinted across the ground to stop the boundaries. During such an attempt, her foot got stuck in the wet turf, and she fell onto the ground, clutching her leg out of agony. Though a stretcher was bought in, Rawal chose to leave the field on her own feet. 

The BCCI was closely monitoring her condition, and she was receiving medical attention, but in recent developments, it was reported that Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the Women's Cricket World Cup semi-final game against Australia. 

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Alongside the Indian opener, who was replaced by Amanjot Kaur at the top of the Indian batting order for the Bangladesh game, spinner Radha Yadav also twisted her feet while fielding later in the innings. Though she recovered and bowled in the match later on. 

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