Why is Pooja Vastrakar not playing today’s IND vs PAK 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup match?
Indian pacer Pooja Vastrakar has been ruled out of the match against Pakistan in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday, October 6, due to a small niggle. Following India’s loss in their opening game against New Zealand, they have made a forced change for the second match, with S Sanjana stepping in for Pooja Vastrakar.
At the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur said to the host broadcaster:
“We have one change, Pooja is not playing. She has a small niggle.”
This is a crucial match for India after their defeat to New Zealand. Batting first, New Zealand got off to a solid start, scoring 55 runs in the powerplay. Suzie Bates contributed 27 runs off 24 balls, while Georgia Plimmer added 34 runs from 23 deliveries.
Amelia Kerr had a disappointing outing, managing 13 runs off 22 balls. The standout player for the White Ferns was captain Sophie Devine, who finished unbeaten with 57 runs off 36 balls, leading her team to a total of 160/4 in their 20 overs. Pooja Vastrakar bowled only one over, conceding nine runs.
In reply, the Women in Blue lost three wickets during the powerplay and struggled to find their footing. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was the top scorer with 15 runs, as India were dismissed for just 102, losing by 58 runs.
Meanwhile, Pakistan secured a 31-run victory over Sri Lanka in their opening match.
India’s playing XI without Pooja Vastrakar
India has made just one change, with S Sanjana coming in for Pooja Vastrakar. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will continue to open the batting, while Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma will lead the bowling attack.
India Women’s Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, S Sajana, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, and Renuka Thakur Singh.
Pakistan Women’s Playing XI: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Omaima Sohail, Fatima Sana (c), Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Sadia Iqbal.