Smriti Mandhana, vice captain of the India women’s team, confirmed Harmanpreet Kaur’s availability during a news conference on Tuesday, October 8.
Against their bitter rivals, Pakistan, India won the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday. Even though they won, Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain (29 off 24, retd injured), was forced to leave the pitch after the fourth ball of the penultimate over due to an injury. With seven balls remaining, the Women in Blue triumphed thanks to a boundary off Sajana Sajeevan’s opening delivery. However, there were doubts over the Indian captain’s availability on Wednesday, October 9, when the team plays Asian champions Sri Lanka.
Harmanpreet Kaur, who finished the previous game as India’s second-highest run scorer, held one end to prevent them from losing wickets because to Pakistan’s tight bowling.
Her availability for the match in Sri Lanka therefore represents a significant advantage for the team. She has batted at number three against New Zealand and number four against Pakistan, thus her position in the batting order is still up for debate.
Pooja Vastrakar’s health is being evaluated
Mandhana also dispelled Pooja Vastrakar’s uncertainties on her inclusion for Wednesday’s game. She verified that a call regarding Vastrakar’s preparedness for the match will be made on Wednesday morning, in order to allow adequate time to decide on the playing lineup. It’s also important to note that Vastrakar missed the match against Pakistan because of her fitness, but Mandhana affirmed that there is no need for concern.
In relation to the India Women’s campaign in the competition, they have participated in a few games thus far, losing one and winning the other.
Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 pitches not suiting Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana
Only Lankans are ahead of Kaur & Co. at the moment in fourth place in Group A of the international competition. Australia holds the top slot, followed by New Zealand in second place, and Pakistan in the middle.
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