India’s bid for a maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup crown has suffered a setback after in-form opener Pratika Rawal was ruled out of the semifinal clash against defending champions Australia due to injury.
Rawal picked up an ankle injury while attempting to prevent a boundary in India’s final league match against Bangladesh on Sunday, a game that was eventually washed out.
In a message posted on social media, Rawal expressed her disappointment, saying, “Tough to sit out due to injury, but my heart is with the team. Best of luck, India!”
The 24-year-old batter has been a standout performer for India in the tournament, amassing 308 runs in the group stage, including a century in a crucial win over New Zealand. Only teammate Smriti Mandhana has scored more, with 365 runs to her name.
The International Cricket Council has cleared Shafali Verma as Rawal’s replacement for the knockout fixture.
India finished fourth in the league standings, a run that included a high-scoring defeat to Australia earlier in the tournament.
The first semifinal will see England take on South Africa on Wednesday, while India and Australia face off the following day for a place in the final.
Source: AP