New Delhi: In a major blow to India’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 campaign, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the tournament with a fractured finger, the Asian Cricket Council stated in a media release on Saturday. Patil will be replaced by Tanuja Kanwer. Patil’s injury came during India’s campaign opener against Pakistan. The unfortunate incident took place during Pakistan’s batting while attempting a catch and suffered a fracture on the fourth finger on her left hand. Despite the injury, Patil continued to bowl and finished with figures of 2/14 in her 3.2 overs as Pakistan were all out for 108.
Earlier, Patil had suffered a hairline fracture on the same hand during the Women’s Premier League. As a result, Patil missed a few games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru before making a comeback in the business end of the competition. She even returned with a four-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals in the final. On the other hand, Kanwer was Gujarat Giants’ leading wicket-taker in WPL 2024.
The 26-year-old scalped 10 wickets in eight games in WPL 2024. This is also Kanwer’s maiden India call-up after being in the reserves list for the Asia Cup. She is also a part of the India A squad that will tour Australia for a multi-format series starting next month.
Title contenders India saw off Pakistan by seven wickets in their Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 opener on Friday. Opting to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for 108 with experienced spinner Deepti Sharma (3/20) emerging as the most successful bowler.
Renuka Singh (2/14) and Pooja Vastrakar (2/31) also chipped in with wickets at crucial juncture to keep Pakistan on a tight leash through their innings. In reply, India completed the chase in 14.1 overs with the opening duo of Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma (40) putting on 85 runs in 9.1 overs. India will play their second game against UAE on Sunday afternoon.
