Pooja Vastrakar, an all-rounder for India, has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup semi-final match due to an upper respiratory tract infection. Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s skipper and batting mainstay, is in a race against time to recover from a high fever before India’s match against Australia on Thursday.
According to sources inside the squad, Harmanpreet, Vastrakar, and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav went to a local hospital in Cape Town on Wednesday for a comprehensive check-up. Radha Yadav spins with her left arm.
There is no indication as to whether or not the Indian skipper will be well enough to play in a high-pressure contest that will begin in around four hours. The medical staff is actively evaluating the issue.
In the meanwhile, the tournament’s Event Technical Committee has given its blessing for Sneh Rana to replace Vastrakar on the Indian team. Vastrakar was the previous player in that position.
Rana, an all-rounder who bowls with spin, has participated in 47 international matches, including 24 Twenty20 Internationals.
Around 6.30 p.m. India Standard Time (IST), the women’s T20 World Cup semifinal match between India and Australia will get underway at the Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town.
