In India’s six-wicket win over Pakistan during the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, captain Harmanpreet Kaur had to leave the field hurt after scoring 29 runs due to a neck injury. This happened just before the match ended, worrying many fans. Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain, took her place in the post-match presentation and said the medical team is checking Harmanpreet’s injury. “It’s too early to say, but the medics are looking into it. Hopefully, she’ll be okay,” said Smriti.
India had earlier held Pakistan to 105/8, with Arundhati Reddy bowling her best-ever spell, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs. India was expected to chase the score quickly to improve their net run rate, which had dropped after their 58-run loss to New Zealand. But Pakistan’s disciplined bowling slowed them down, and India could only score 25/1 during the power-play. India didn’t take many risks, and Shafali Verma (32), Jemimah Rodrigues (23), and Harmanpreet Kaur (29) helped India finish the chase with seven balls left. Only four boundaries were hit during the innings.
Smriti admitted India could have chased better, and their net run rate now stands at -1.217. “We followed the plans well and were very good in the field. A better start with the bat would have been nice, but we’re happy with the win,” she said. “We did think about boosting the net run rate, but both Shafali and I couldn’t time the ball well. We didn’t want to risk losing control of the game. Net run rate is in our minds, though, and this win gives us some momentum going forward.”
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Arundhati, who won Player of the Match, said she focused on bowling straight at the stumps. “I’ve been practising a lot for T20s, especially for different stages of the game. Today, I just wanted to hit the stumps and use my slower balls, which worked for me.”
“It was a hot day, but we are used to such weather. Renuka also bowled well during the power-play, and I’ll keep working hard.”
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana admitted their batting wasn’t good enough. “We were 10-15 runs short. Hopefully, we’ll do better in the next match. I enjoyed playing against India and my time here.”