India suffered a major blow ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against Australia as star opener Pratika Raval has been ruled out with a severe ankle sprain.
Pratika Raval suffered an injury during India Women’s rain-affected clash against Bangladesh when she twisted her ankle while fielding at the boundary. Her absence is a big blow for India, as she has been one of the team’s most consistent performers in the tournament.
Pratika Raval ruled out of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-finals with ankle injury
Her aggressive start at the top was a major reason behind India’s impressive performance in the knockout stage of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
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“Pratika Raval has been ruled out of the #ICCWomensWorldCup2025 semi-final against Australia with a severe ankle sprain. She was injured in the Bangladesh match,” reports RavSportz.
Breaking
Pratika Rawal is out #ICCWomensWorldCup2025 Semi-final against Australia due to severe ankle sprain. She got injured in the Bangladesh match.#Breaking @BCCIWomen @boriamjumdar @Trisha Ghoshal @snehasis_95 pic.twitter.com/RFaxYwXi1Y
– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 27 October 2025
Pratika Rawal rolls her ankle on wet ground
Raval twisted her right ankle while fielding at deep midwicket during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match against Bangladesh. This incident happened on the last ball of the 21st over at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
While trying to stop the ball, the 25-year-old player slipped on the wet outfield and her foot got stuck in the wet ground. She appeared to be in pain and had to be taken off the field with the help of medical staff. Later, the rain-affected match was canceled due to continuous rain in Mumbai.
Since Raval was injured, she could not open the innings when India started chasing the target and against Bangladesh, Amanjot Kaur was sent to bat with Smriti Mandhana.
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Rain threat looms over India vs Australia semi-final
With the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final between India and Australia set to take place on October 30, all eyes are now on the skies above Mumbai rather than the field. The city has been hit by incessant rain, and with Thursday’s forecast calling for a 90% chance of rain, the much-awaited clash at the DY Patil Stadium is under threat of rain.
A reserve day is scheduled for Friday, but even that is a matter of concern, as weather reports predict an 80% chance of rain even on the backup day. This means the rain gods could spoil the game not just once but twice, potentially shattering India’s dream.
If the semi-final matches are not completed on any day, Australia will advance to the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 due to their better record in the group stage. This will be a huge blow for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team, who have performed excellently throughout the tournament.
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Mithali Raj suggests Harleen Deol as ideal replacement for Pratika Raval
Meanwhile, after the setback, former Indian captain Mithali Raj suggested that Harleen Deol could step in to open with Smriti Mandhana in Pratikha’s absence, while Uma Chhetri remains another option if Richa Ghosh does not return as the wicketkeeper.
Mithali Raj said on Geostar, “Now the question is, if Pratika is not fit to take the field on the 30th, then who will open with Smriti. The first option could be to promote Harleen at number three, as she often comes in early and is comfortable facing the new ball.
The other option is Uma Chhetri, but if Richa Ghosh returns as wicketkeeper then Uma may sit out. Ideally, this was a great opportunity for Harleen to open up and create that equation with memory, assuming Pratika may not be available.
