India’s women cricket team has started the journey of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 on a winning note. On 21st February, the Women in Blue defeated the defending champions Australia in a thriller of a match by 17 runs. India’s win should be wholely credited to the spinner Poonam Yadav who picked four-wickets in Sydney.
When other Indian bowlers were leaking runs, Poonam came as a saviour for the team. She picked the wicket of Alyssa Healy, who scored a half-century. She ran through Australia’s middle order while picking two consecutive wickets of Rachael Haynes and Ellyse Perry.
Disappointingly, she could not pick a hat trick as the wicketkeeper Taniya Bhatia missed the catch of Jess Jonassen.
However, in the end, Poonam sent her back too.
Post the game, Poonam mentioned that this was her third hat-trick opportunity which she missed. Though she was the star performer for Team India.
Seeing his bowling attack in Sydney, nobody would believe that she has just recovered from the injury. While a source in the known development said Yadav had to get a plate inserted in her non-bowling hand ahead of the World Cup.
Furthermore, the source also informed that Poonam has still a plate inserted in the index finger.
“Considering the state she was in, there was no chance that she was going to be fit for the tri-series,” a source close to the Indian team told PTI.
“But still a decision was made that she travels to Australia as being away from the team at such a crucial time would have had a negative impact on her mindset. It would have also impacted her recovery,” the source continued.
The source further added, “A lot of credit must go to team physio Tracy Fernandes who worked tirelessly to ensure Poonam recovered. It was a very serious injury as the left index finger was literally crushed with the impact. Thank god it was not her bowling hand. A plate was inserted into her finger and it is still there.”
The 28-year-old bowler from Agra had damaged her finger during a training session on December 26. After the match against Australia, she showed gratitude to teammates and physio helping her to recover on time, to partake in the coveted ICC event.