Women's World Cup 2022: Smriti Mandhana hit on head in warm-up match against South Africa

Indian batter Smriti Mandhana copped a blow on the head by a Shabnam Ismail bouncer in a 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up match on February 27. Team India is taking on South Africa in a warm-up match being played at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora.

Following the incident, Mandhana was attended by the team doctor and was declared fit. However, the 25-year old batter left the field an over and a half later after another consultation. Mandhana was shaken by the blow, however, she felt no concussion symptoms. As per the medical team, the batter left the ground as a precaution.

Coming back to the match, South Africa captain Sune Luus invited India to bat first after winning the toss. India did not have a good start as two senior batters Deepti Sharma and skipper Mithali Raj lost their wickets within 10 overs of the match. However, Yastika Bhatia’s slow but steady knock of 58 runs ensured that her side remained in the competition. The batter hit four boundaries and a six in her innings.

Harmanpreet Kaur did bulk of scoring for India

Though the innings belonged to Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a magnificent century off just 114 balls. The batter smashed nine boundaries in her innings, while stitching a valuable partnership with of 84 runs with Bhatia. After Bhatia fell off the bowling of skipper Luus, Kaur did the bulk of scoring for India.

Other Indian batters including Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar also chipped in with double-digit scores. Team India finished their innings on 244 at the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the most successful bowler as she scalped three wickets in her seven overs, giving away only 23 runs. Other bowlers including Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Luus and Chloe Tryon took one wicket each.

Team India will taking on their arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament opener to be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on March 6 (Sunday).