India suffered a major injury scare on October 26 just ahead of their crucial ODI World Cup semifinal, as opening batter Pratika Rawal limped off the field after badly twisting her right ankle. The bizarre injury occurred while she was attempting to stop a ball that was racing toward the mid-wicket boundary.
Pratika Rawal suffers freak injury
The incident unfolded in the 21st over when Sharmin Akhter swiped a delivery from Deepti Sharma across the line. Pratika ran across from the mid-wicket boundary to intercept the ball but slightly overran it as it plugged in the outfield. As she tried to turn back, her right boot got stuck in the turf, causing her ankle to twist and making her fall in obvious pain.
The physio immediately rushed onto the field to check on Rawal, who was grimacing in pain. She was escorted off the field shortly afterward, leaving her participation in India's upcoming run chase in serious doubt. It is suspected that the wet outfield may have contributed to the freak injury, forcing Rawal out of the game.
"Team India all-rounder Pratika Rawal sustained an injury to her knee and ankle while fielding in the first innings against Bangladesh. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress," BCCI's statement read.
IND vs BAN match abandoned due to rain
The match was unfortunately called off due to incessant rain, bringing an abrupt end to the contest. Before the stoppage, India was in pursuit of a revised DLS target of 126 in 27 overs. Due to Pratika Rawal's injury, Smriti Mandhana walked out to open alongside a new partner, Amanjot Kaur. Mandhana quickly picked up where she had left off in the previous game, while Kaur played the supportive role. Bangladesh struggled to make an impact with the ball, a task made more difficult by the wet conditions, and their efforts were further hampered by lapses in the field. India was cruising in the chase, and were strongly placed at 57/0 after 8.4 overs, when the rain returned, bringing the game to a premature conclusion.