Asha Sobhana suffers injury during bowling warm-up; Radha Yadav named last-minute replacement for IND vs AUS 2024 Women's T20 World Cup clashÂ
Leg-spinner Asha Sobhana suffered an unfortunate last-minute injury during bowling warm-ups prior to the toss between India and Australia at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. The two sides are up against each other in their final group stage clashes at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 13.
Team India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur had confirmed that there was a solitary change to the playing XI from their record win over Sri Lanka recently. Pacer Pooja Vastrakar came in for Sajeevan Sajana. However, there was confusion when Radha Yadav took the field right from the word go.
The all-rounder has been on the field over the course of the tournament, primarily as a substitute fielder for skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who has been struggling with a neck injury.
An update after the match commenced clarified Radha Yadav's presence on the field. The Indian management had reportedly requested the opposition to make a change to the playing XI after Sobhana's injury. The request was approved, leading to Radha Yadav taking the field as a full-fledged member of the playing XI.
Radha Yadav's fielding prowess has already come in handy for India as she took a sharp catch at point to dismiss Beth Mooney in the third over of the innings.
Asha Sobhana has picked up five wickets in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
There is no update regarding the nature of injury that Sobhana has sustained or its extent. She has been among the best players for India in the ongoing campaign, after picking up five wickets across the first three matches. The leg-spinner finished with brilliant figures of 3-19 in the recent win over Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium.
Team India have made a strong start to the must-win clash in Sharjah. Renuka Singh Thakur struck twice in the third over to dismiss Beth Mooney and Georgia Wareham and reduce the defending champions to 17-2 inside the powerplay.
Australia are without their skipper Alyssa Healy, who is sidelined due to a calf injury. All-rounder Tahlia McGrath is leading the team in her absence.