The India women’s national cricket team vs Australia rivalry just got more exciting. Pratika Rawal makes fans cheer as she comes back from that scary ankle and knee knock while fielding against Bangladesh in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. People worried a lot about her at first but rehab turned things around fast. The BCCI Centre of Excellence provided top care that brought her to peak condition. India shared the happy update with her spot in the Australia ODI squad from February 16, 2026. Yet the Gabba opener on February 24, 2026, delivered instant drama that tested her big return. India vs Australia womens continues to draw massive attention across formats.

Pratika Rawal’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Looking back at key dates paints Pratika Rawal as a real fighter. Her ankle injury struck hard in October 2025, ending her tournament despite 308 strong runs in the group stage that had fans talking. Come December, social media posts showed happy updates on steady recovery, doctor advice, and starting easy workouts. Skipping WPL 2026 was a smart move to stay safe. It paid off with full approval for international games by mid-February.

Pratika Rawal Ready for Gabba ODI vs Australia

As of February 24, 2026, Pratika Rawal stepped up for the Gabba day/night WODI under Brisbane clouds. India batted first, banking on her top-order spark. Veteran Megan Schutt grabbed the new ball and struck on ball two with a sharp inswinger. Rawal looked a touch rusty after months out, rooted to the crease as it dipped late past the edge and thwacked high on the pad. Umpire raised the finger quickly; DRS showed three reds smashing middle and leg. Two-ball duck at 0/1 shook India early, but grit runs deep in her game.

By over 26, India slipped to 115/5 against Australia’s tight attack. Smriti Mandhana fought alone with 58 off 68 at solid strike rate, but Shafali Verma scratched 4 off 17 to Darcie Brown’s sharp return catch, and Jemimah Rodrigues made 8 off 13, gloved off Ashleigh Gardner to Beth Mooney. Harmanpreet Kaur held at 24* with Richa Ghosh joining the rebuild. Schutt led with 1/22 in five overs, Brown took 1/24, Gardner snared 1/7 to choke runs below five an over. Rawal’s jolt stings, yet top-order power and off-spin keep her key for the tour push.

The intensity seen in this ODI mirrors the fire from the recent t20 womens contests. Fans who followed t20 India vs Australia know how quickly momentum swings in this rivalry. The build-up from the women’s T20 series has clearly carried into the 50-over battle.

Pratika Rawal Profile

Pratika Rawal switched to Railways from Delhi where she bats right-handed at opener position and bowls right-arm offbreak spin. Her first state matches occurred in 2021 and India picked her up in 2024. In the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup she made 308 runs placing second for India highlighted by a century win over New Zealand. Following an ankle injury, the BCCI rehab center helped her regain peak strength. Selection for the ODI squad revealed February 16, 2026 and she joined the Test squad too. Career highlights stand out plain.

India vs Australia Series Update

T20I Series Wrapped (2-1 Win for India)

• Game 1: India wins rain-affected opener on DLS.
• Game 2: Australia sets 164; India 144/9 (loss).
• Game 3: India posts 176/6 vs Australia’s 159/9; Smriti Mandhana 82 (win!).

ODI Opener Today

• Date: February 24, 2026.
• Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane.
• Squad: 16 players, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, includes Pratika Rawal.
• Live Score Update: India 115/5 after 26 overs (Mandhana 58, Harmanpreet 24*).

Test Match Next

• One-off in March at Optus Stadium, Perth.

With Rawal back despite the early blow, the India women’s national cricket team vs Australia battle gains extra edge. Full focus. Full fitness. Middle order steps up now to swing this opener. Stream live and cheer the fightback.

FAQs 

Is Pratika Rawal in the current India squad?
Yes, selected for Australia ODIs (announced February 16, 2026) and the one-off Test squad. She’s fit for the ODI opener today (February 24, 2026) at The Gabba, Brisbane.

What are Pratika Rawal’s key strengths?
Strong top-order batting for quick starts and handy offspin bowling. Her World Cup form showed consistency under pressure.

What role will Pratika Rawal play in Australia ODIs?
Top-order batter and offspinner in Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad. Fully fit for the opener today at The Gabba (February 24, 2026).

How did India win the T20I decider?
Posted 176/6; Australia reached 159/9. Smriti Mandhana’s 82 anchored the chase-proof total for a 17-run victory. 

Who captains India’s squad for ODIs?
Harmanpreet Kaur leads the 16-player group. Key additions like Pratika Rawal boost batting depth.

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