Smriti Mandhana doubtful for Pakistan clash

Before India kick start their campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against archrivals, there are uncertainties about the inclusion of Smriti Mandhana who suffered a finger injury during a warm-up game against Australia on Monday. Mandhana didn’t feature in the second warm-up game against Bangladesh on Wednesday and is currently recovering from it.

"She suffered an injury in the practice game. We can't say she is out of World Cup yet. But she could miss the Pakistan game," PTI quoted an ICC source as saying.

Mandhana has been one of the most important members of the Indian side in their bid to better their 2020 T20 World Cup performance and win the whole thing for the first time. In the 32 innings since the T20 World Cup in 2020, the 26-year-old has scored 930 runs at an average of 34.44 and a strike rate of 133.4, leading India's charge with the bat. 

India also have another injury concern in the form of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who is healing from a shoulder injury. However, she added that she is fine and will get better with rest.

"Body is fine. It will get better with rest," Kaur had said after the final in the tri-series. 

India are placed in Group B alongside England, Pakistan, West Indies, and Ireland and will kick start their campaign on February 12, 2023 (Sunday).