Smriti Mandhana retires hurt in the warm-up fixture against South Africa

Women's CricZone Staff

27 Feb 2022

New Update

Smriti Mandhana confident of completing the multi-format series on high — Smriti Mandhana © Getty Images

India’s opener Smriti Mandhana was struck on the helmet by a Shabnim Ismail bouncer in their warm-up match against South Africa, according to ICC release on Sunday (February 27). Mandhana was retired hurt in the early stages of the game in Rangiora and did not take the field at the start of South Africa’s innings.

The 25-year-old was assessed by the team doctor immediately following the incident and was originally declared fit to continue. An over and a half later, after another consultation with the medical staff, Mandhana decided to leave the field. According to the medical staff, the left-hander was visibly shaken by the blow, though felt no concussion symptoms. She left the field on precautionary grounds.

Batting first in the warm-up fixture, India scored 244 for 9 as vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored a century off 114 balls. She was supported by Yastika Bhatia who scored a half-century. Before retiring hurt, Mandhana contributed 12 off 23 balls in India’s relatively sedate start.

Earlier, Mandhana missed the one-off T20 International and the three ODIs against New Zealand as she was in extended Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ). Upon her return for India, she scored 71 runs in the final ODI of the series leading India to a consolation win.

India will play another warm-up match against West Indies on Tuesday (March 1) at the same venue. Their World Cup campaign will start against Pakistan on Sunday (March 6) at the Bay Oval in Tarunga.

India South Africa Cricket World Cup 2022 Shabnim Ismail Smiriti Mandhana ICC Cricket World Cup, 2022