Ahead of the semifinals against Australia concerns mount for India Women’s team as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and pacer Pooja Vastrakar are unlikely to play the game due to respiratory illness. India is set to face Australia in the semifinals of the Ongoing 20-20 world cup on Thursday evening in Cape Town. Notably, Vastrakar has been ruled out from the semifinal game and will be replaced by Sneh Rana.
In a statement, the Apex council of the game said that “the player has been ruled out owing to an upper respiratory tract infection ahead of the pivotal game.” According to sources On the eve of the game, both players were reportedly brought to a nearby hospital with illnesses. As India continues to hold out hope that the pair can be match-ready, a final decision regarding their availability is anticipated on Thursday afternoon.
In absence of Harmanpreet star batter Smriti Mandhana will lead the team against Australia. It will be a big blow for India if Harman fails to recover as she has been amazing against the mighty Aussies.
India will be looking to avenge last time’s loss
India will be looking to beat Australia and end their dominance in the World Cup. Australia defeated India in the finals of the last World Cup to win their second consecutive title. India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and pacer Renuka Singh Thakur are in red-hot form and will be looking to continue it in the semifinals.
India will compete against Australia in the hopes of winning their first significant international trophy in ten years. As they narrowly defeated Ireland in their final group encounter, the team qualified for the semi-finals. the team will be looking to get revenge on Australia for previous defeats including the gold medal game for the Commonwealth Games and the previous 20-20 World Cup. Australia on the other hand will want to continue its dominance over Women In Blue.
Meanwhile, fans react to the news of Harmanpreet Kaur’s illness. A Twitter user said that it will be a Big disadvantage for India in a much-needed game.
Here are some Tweets:
Ab to fight bhi ni kr paege pehle kam se kam fight to krte the australia womens team se . This means we r out ?????
— Ekansh (@oberoi234) February 23, 2023
Typical mumbaikar…always make a way when thier contribution matters the most
— ??Shafiq?? (@kohlisim_) February 23, 2023
Big blow, Harman plays well against Aussies, we are already poor in running, fielding and bowling.
— TimeTravelelr (@MrMindvsHeart) February 23, 2023
Women's ipl is coming… So today india will beat the Australian team.. And we'll lift the trophy… Mark my words…?
— Vicky (@Vicky_rish96) February 23, 2023
Harmanpreet anyway not done anything worth in the current tournament and perhaps wants to stay fit for WPL!!!. Vastrakar will be missed.
— SRINIVAS RAO GADI (@GSR201960) February 23, 2023
— Yuvi (@YuvrajAhir15) February 23, 2023
If they both absent also India won't win it against Australia today in semis that's for sure ??
— A J Aditya (@AJAditya6) February 23, 2023
100 runs Or 8 wickets defeat loading after hearing this ??
— 2Legit2Quit (@_just_my_way) February 23, 2023
Bad news before semi still we are winning don't underestimate our girl's….????????
— Raj Aryan Sharma (@raj4567812) February 23, 2023
