India rebounded from a 58-run loss to New Zealand in their Women’s T20 World Cup opener on Friday with a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. But there was a major concern for the team as captain Harmanpreet Kaur walked off the field, teary-eyed, just a delivery before the winning run was scored. Kaur, who spurned her No. 3 role in the match against Pakistan, appeared intent on scoring the winning run after lowering the equation to two required off the last 16 balls.
Kaur finished the game unbeaten on 29 from 24 balls. However, with Nida Dar putting pressure on two consecutive dot balls, the 35-year-old attempted a sly single with a late cut right past the wicketkeeper. She failed to connect with the outside of delivery, and in doing so, she lost balance and slipped beyond the crease before rapidly returning. Kaur suffered a neck injury during this incident.
India’s Skipper Injury Concern
Harmanpreet Kaur did survive a stumping scare as the wicketkeeper took advantage of the opportunity, but she was shortly spotted clutching her neck in discomfort with tears in her eyes. Kaur greatly helped the squad in scoring quickly, but the India captain declined to take any further chances and went off the field wounded. Sajana Sajeevan, who replaced Kaur, sent Nida’s widish delivery over extra cover for a boundary. That stroke let India finish the chase with seven balls remaining.
Sajeevan Sajana scored the winning runs off the following delivery as India finished on 108-4, winning with seven balls to spare. The severity of Kaur’s injury and whether or not she would be ready to play in the crucial match against Sri Lanka next week. It will be a rematch of the Asia Cup final—have not yet been officially announced by the BCCI.
Smriti Mandhana, her deputy, filled in for her during the post-match interaction, which she skipped. When questioned by former England captain and presenter Nasser Hussain for an update on Kaur’s injury, the India vice-captain replied, “Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully, she is alright.”
India’s Bowlers Restrict Pakistan
India’s bowlers had reduced Pakistan to just 105/8 in the first innings. India was pleased to maintain the requisite rate, and despite a double strike from Fatima Sana, the team finished the run-chase without more incident. India lost Mandhana for seven, but Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues pushed them to 61 before the second wicket went in the 12th over. Verma, their outstanding 20-year-old opener, smashed three fours in 35 balls before holing out to mid-on.
That gave Pakistan a chance, but Kaur ensured India’s 13th victory in 16 T20 Internationals versus Pakistan. India needed a win in Group A after losing their opening encounter to New Zealand. They stay fourth in the group, with Pakistan barely ahead of them in terms of net run rate. India’s next game is against Sri Lanka in Dubai on Wednesday, while Pakistan faces favorites Australia on Friday. The West Indies will face Scotland in Sunday’s late game in Dubai after both teams lost their Group B openers.
Summing It Up
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup, coming back from their previous setback to New Zealand. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had scored an undefeated 29, sustained a neck injury shortly as the winning run was struck, leaving the field in tears. India’s bowlers held Pakistan to 105/8, and despite considerable pressure, India chased it down with seven balls left. India will now face Sri Lanka, followed by Pakistan, and then Australia.
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