Just a few days ahead of the knockout rounds at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, India faced a big blow. India’s opening batter Pratika Rawal will miss the semi-final match due to injury. She had played effectively in the tournament. In the last match in Navi Mumbai, she injured her right ankle while fielding. The incident kept her out of the next match against Australia, and Shefali Verma took her spot in the team.
Rawal’s Injury Brings a Big Setback
The 25-year-old Rawal has showcased an outstanding performance and has become the second-highest run-scorer in this tournament so far. Her consistency throughout the tournament helped her to score 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a match-winning 122 against New Zealand. However, the last match against Bangladesh on October 26 was a setback for her. She suffered a serious ankle and knee injury while fielding. Her right foot twisted badly when she tried to stop the ball from reaching the boundary, which made her miss the rest of the tournament. She underwent scans, and due to the swelling, Rawal has been told to rest for three weeks and is currently wearing a moon boot. As a crucial batter for India, her absence will affect the team.
Will Verma’s Return Make an Impact?
Shafali Verma was not included in the squad for this tournament, but now she has an opportunity to play in the semi-final against Australia on October 30. She has an excellent career achievement by scoring 644 runs in one-day competitions at an average of 23, with a strike rate of just over 83.2, which includes a knock of 71 not out. If she gets a good start in the early overs, she can make an impact for the team. Her energy and aggressive batting will help the Indian batting lineup. She can build a strong partnership with Smriti and fill the gap left by Pratika Rawal’s absence.
Countdown to a New Chapter
India is set to face the strongest team, Australia, in the semi-final on October 30 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India’s journey throughout the tournament has been full of ups and downs. In the last match against New Zealand, they dominated and secured a place in the semi-final. Playing against the strongest team without their top opener, Pratika Rawal, puts India in a difficult position. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana had already delivered a record-opening stand in the tournament. As it is a knockout match, the presence of a top batter like Rawal is very important for the team. The replacement of 21-year-old Shafali Verma is a matter of faith and chance. Her return to ODIs has raised high expectations, even though fans are curious about her consistency and how quickly she will perform in such an important game. As India fought hard and earned a spot in the semi-final, all Indians are waiting to see whether India will make new history or not.