IND vs PAK: Why is Smriti Mandhana Not Playing India Women vs Pakistan Women T20 World Cup Match Today?

Smriti Mandhana: Another India Women vs Pakistan Women clash will occur in the ongoing women’s T20 World Cup 2023. The game is scheduled to be played on February 12 (Sunday) at Newlands in Cape Town, South Africa. The match will commence at 6:30 PM IST.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s team is full of heartbreaks after their last few World Cup stints. The senior side is searching for its maiden world title and is already considered one of the favorites to do so.

IND vs PAK: Why is Smriti Mandhana Not Playing India Women vs Pakistan Women T20 World Cup Match Today?

For the Pakistan game, the Indian opener and the vice-captain of the side, Smriti Mandhana will not feature in the starting XI. Mandhana caught a finger injury during the warm-up game against Australia earlier.

However, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, the team’s batting coach, confirmed that there was no fracture. Hence, the 26-year-old lefty batter is likely to be available for the second game of the tournament against West Indies women on February 15 and the remaining tournament.

Kanitkar, while speaking about Mandhana’s injury stated, “Smriti has a finger injury and is still recovery, so she won’t play most-likely. It’s not a fracture and we’re hopeful she will be available from the second game onwards.”

Besides, the Indian team has often been seen depending on Kaur or Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana is an extremely important element of the side and her fitness will be a crucial matter of discussion ahead of the India Women vs Pakistan Women clash.

Kaur Declared fit to play the tournament opener

Moreover, reportedly, Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian skipper picked up a shoulder niggle during the tri-series involving the hosts South Africa and West Indies. However, Kaur has been declared fit to play in the series opener India Women vs Pakistan Women game on Sunday.

In the pre-match press conference, Kanitkar also said, “Harman is fit to play. She has batted for the last two days in the nets, she is fine.”