Injured Pratika Rawal being helped out of the ground AI Generated Image: The Bridge Chronicle
Sports

Rain spoils play and induces Injury in the final group stage match

India face their biggest challenge having lost to Australia earlier in the group stage, and facing them in the knockout, with uncertainity around their regular opener

Ashutosh Sahoo

The final league match of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 between India and Bangladesh at the D.Y. Patil Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain on Sunday, resulting in both teams sharing a point. Despite the no-result, which left India from completing the chase, the team had a major injury scare ahead of their semifinal clash against Australia on Thursday.

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The injury occurred in the 21st over of Bangladesh's innings when in-form opener Pratika Rawal twisted her right knee and ankle while chasing a ball on the wet outfield. Rawal, who cried out in pain and had to be assisted off the field, is now a major doubt for the semifinal. Her potential absence would be a blow, given that she and Smriti Mandhana have formed a formidable opening partnership, crucial to India’s progression to the knockout stage.

The start-stop match, which was reduced multiple times due to heavy rain, saw Bangladesh eventually post 119 for nine in 27 overs. Indian spinners shone brightly, particularly Radha Yadav, who was playing her first match of the tournament. Radha emerged as the highest wicket-taker with three wickets in her six overs, and also inflicted a crucial run-out of Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana. Deepti Sharma and Renuka Thakur also chipped in with wickets.

When play was finally called off, India was cruising in their chase of a DLS-revised target of 126. Smriti Mandhana and makeshift opener, Amanjot Kaur, replacing Pratika Rawal, had guided the team to 57 for no loss in 8.4 overs. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur later stated that Rawal is being monitored closely by the medical team and expressed hope for her return, “The way Radha played today gives us another option for the next game, Amanjot came back and gave her bit. Whatever we thought, we have achieved, and hopefully Pratika will also be fine for the next game.”

The semifinal lineup is now confirmed: Australia (first) will play India (fourth) in the second semifinal in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, while England (second) will play South Africa (third) in the first semifinal in Guwahati on Wednesday. Both semifinals and the final have a reserve day allocated. However, if the semifinal is abandoned even after the reserve day, the higher-placed team in the league stage will progress. This rule would send Australia to the final, if the situation came to that.

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