Indian pacer Pooja Vastrakar was ruled out ahead of the must-win game against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side is facing Pakistan in the seventh match of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the marquee clash, India received a big blow as pace-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar was ruled out following a niggle.
Although there is no official update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding Pooja’s injury, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur revealed at the toss that Pooja was struggling with a niggle and would miss the match against Pakistan.
Following Pooja’s injury, India made a forced change, with Sajeevan Sajana replacing the injured pacer. Though Pooja went wicketless in India’s first game against New Zealand where she only bowled an over, she has been a key part of the bowling unit and has been useful with the bat lower down the order.
“We were also looking to bat. We have a good opportunity We have one change, Pooja is not playing. She has a small niggle.”
~ Harmanpreet Kaur at the toss.#CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/MyLaFIcyjX
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 6, 2024
At the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed Pooja’s absence, saying, “We were also looking to bat. We have a good opportunity. We have one change; Pooja is not playing. She has a small niggle.”
Pakistan enters the clash against India after beating Sri Lanka in their opening game of the tournament, while India suffered a 58-run defeat against New Zealand. This makes the match a must-win for India in Group A.
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