To a relief for India, opener Smriti Mandhana has been cleared to play in the ICC Women’s World Cup after suffering a blow to the head in the team’s first warm-up game against South Africa.
ICC Women’s World Cup: Smriti Mandhana allowed to continue with India squad (courtesy BCCI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Smriti Mandhana has been cleared to continue her World Cup campaign
- Smriti Mandhana had to retire injured after being hit on the head
- Mandhana has so far scored 2461 runs in 64 ODIs, including four centuries
India opener Smriti Mandhana has been cleared to take part in the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand despite a blow to the head in the team’s first warm-up game against South Africa on Sunday.
Mandhana, in particular, was forced to retire injured after being hit in the head by a Shabnim Ismail bouncer during her team’s first warm-up game, which India won by two runs.
According to an ICC report, the 25-year-old Mandhana was assessed by the team doctor after the incident and initially declared fit for action, only to retire injured after another consultation over a year and a half later.
The report went on to say that, according to medical staff, the left-handed man was not experiencing any symptoms of concussion at the time, nor was he experiencing any long-term effects of the incident.
The stylish batter looked in fine form as she scored her 20th half-century in her previous ODI against New Zealand ahead of the upcoming 50-over showpiece.
Mandhana has so far scored 2461 runs in 64 ODIs, including four centuries.
India play another warm-up game against West Indies before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on March 6th.
In the warm-up game against South Africa, India scored 244 for 9 after a century of Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatias’ 58.
Luus and Laura Wolvaardt have played for South Africa for half a century but could not get the team over the line as left arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad clinched 4 for 46 in 10 overs.
