ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Poonam Yadav Played Against Australia With A Plate In Her Finger

India Women’s cricket team defeated hosts Australia in their opening game at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, on Friday, at Sydney. Poonam Yadav starred for the Indian ladies as she scalped four wickets against the home side despite having a plate in her index finger.

Poonam, who suffered an injury in the lead-up to the World Cup and had to get a plate inserted in her non-bowling hand. Poonam faced a race against time, to get fit for the global spectacle, and in India’s opening game she delivered the goods.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s team showed great fighting spirit against Australia after they could score for just 132 runs in 20 overs. However, Poonam’s exploits helped the Indian women’s team to bowl out the hosts for 115 runs, thereby winning the game by 17 runs.

Poonam Yadav Credited Indian Physio After Picking Up Four Wickets Versus Australia:

The 28-year-old bowler from Agra had her finger crushed during a training session on December 26.

However, she did not panic, quickly got a plate inserted in the index finger of her non-bowling hand, and won the race against time to be fit to face Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

“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.”

Poonam thanked the Indian physio and her teammates after her match-winning exploits against Australia.

“I am thankful to the physio and my teammates (for ensuring her recovery) as it is not easy to come back after an injury,” she said. 

No doubt, Poonam will have to play a crucial role if the Indian team wish to go for the Women’s T20 World Cup trophy.