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Women’s Cricket World Cup

India’s hopes hit as Pratika Rawal ruled out

Published:Wednesday | October 29, 2025 | 12:09 AM
India’s Pratika Rawal bats during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup cricket match against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai, India on Thursday, October 23.
AP
India’s Pratika Rawal bats during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup cricket match against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai, India on Thursday, October 23.

NEW DELHI (AP):

INDIA’S HOPES of winning a first Women’s Cricket World Cup title have been dented with the injury-enforced withdrawal of opening batter Pratika Rawal for the semi-final against defending champions Australia.

The in-form Rawal was forced off the field after injuring her ankle attempting to save a boundary in India’s last league-stage game on Sunday, which ended in a washout against Bangladesh.

“Tough to sit out due to injury, but my heart is with the team,” Rawal said in a social media post. “Best of luck, India!”

She scored 308 runs in the league stage of the tournament — including a century in a decisive win over New Zealand — second only to teammate Smriti Mandhana’s 365.

The International Cricket Council approved Shafali Verma as a late replacement in the squad for Rawal.

India were fourth in the league stage, which included a high-scoring loss to Australia.

England and South Africa will meet today in the first of the semi-finals, a day ahead of the Australia-India game.