Women's World Cup 2022: Smriti Mandhana cleared to play in the main event despite blow to head

India opener Smriti Mandhana has been cleared to play in the upcoming Women’s World Cup which is set to commence on March 4. This comes as a delighting news for team India as the camp would’ve been worried about arguably their best batter’s fitness after being hit on the head by Shabnim Ismail’s bouncer during the warm-up encounter against South Africa.

Smriti Mandhana had earlier continued to bat after being hit but eventually got retired hurt after a couple of overs. However, an ICC report has stated that the southpaw didn’t feel any concussion symptoms after being under observation for a certain period and hence, has been cleared to play for India.

“Mandhana is in good spirits and will feature in India’s continued preparation for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. 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. The left-hander felt no concussion symptoms according to the medical staff at the time, nor experienced delayed effects from the incident,” the ICC report said.

India won a thrilling warm-up game

Meanwhile, India registered a thrilling win by two runs against South Africa in their first warm-up game. Smriti Mandhana scored only 12 runs before walking off, however, the team was benefited from the return to form of Harmanpreet Kaur who slammed a stunning century. Yastika Bhatia also scored 58 runs which propelled India to 244/9 in their 50 overs.

In response, South Africa were on track in the chase thanks to fifties from Laura Wolvaardt (83) and Sune Luus (86) but lost their way at the fag end of the innings. Eventually, they fell only three runs short of the target to lose the game. Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the star bowler for India returning with the figures of 4/54 while the other bowlers also were economical. India will play their next warm-up game against West Indies on March 1 (Tuesday).