Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana was hit on the head by a dangerous bouncer bowled by South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail during a World Cup warm-up fixture played at the Mainpower Oval, Rangiora.
Mandhana Retired-hurt
Accoridng to an ICC report, Mandhana was assessed by the team doctor following the incident and was originally declared fit to continue, only to retire hurt an over and a half later after another consultation. Initially, after a primary assessment, team doctors gave her the green signal to bat but after an over-and-a-half second consultation took place and Mandhana was retired-hurt. But according to the medical staff there were no symptoms of concussion.
Mandhana scored 12 runs off 23 balls before she was retired-hurt.
In the game, Indian team, batting first, registered a total of 244 runs losing 9 wickets, in 50 overs and eventually they secured 2-run victory against South Africa. Earlier, Indian vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a brilliant innings to notch a ton (103 runs off 104 balls). Her innings was comprised of 9 boundaries. Another Indian opening batter, Yastika Bhatia had scored a fifty (58 runs off 78 balls). She smashed 4 boundaries and 1 six.
For South Africa, their right-arm medium pacer Ayabonga Khaka picked up three wickets.
South Africa's run chase
In reply, the South African team could score 242 runs in 50 overs, losing 7 wickets. Their opening batter Laura Wolvaardt scored 85 runs off 96 balls. Her innings was comprised of 7 boundaries and 2 sixes. Their skipper Sune Luus scored 87 runs off 96 balls as she smashed 7 boundaries.
Indian left-arm bowler Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up four wickets as her terrific bowling skills proved to be pretty effective handy.
In the second warm-up match, Indian women’s team will take on West Indies.
World Cup schedule
In the ICC Women’s World Cup, the Mithali Raj-led Indian team will start their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan, on March 6.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 is scheduled to commence on March 4 at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. In the opening fixture, hosts New Zealand will take on West Indies. A total of 31 matches will be played across 31 days. Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Wellington will be the six cities in New Zealand that will host the prestigious tournament.
