ICC Women's World Cup: Smriti Mandhana gets hit on the head in the warm-up match

Indian star opener Smriti Mandhana suffered an injury scare ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup after being hit on the head during India's first warm-up match against South Africa here on Sunday. The left-handed batter retired hurt after copping a nasty blow on her helmet in the early stages of the game in Rangiora.

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According to a report on the ICC website, it was a bouncer from South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail. Meanwhile, Ismail's bouncer hit her on the head. The 25-year-old Mandhana was assessed by the team doctor after the incident. However, she was initially deemed fit to continue, only to retire hurt an over and a half later following another consultation.

According to the medical staff, she didn't feel any initial concussion symptoms but left the ground as a precautionary measure. She did not take the field at the start of South Africa's innings.

Mandhana has played only the last two ODIs against New Zealand after being in extended quarantine. She is a vital member of India's ODI side and is expected to play a key role in the World Cup. The ICC Women's World Cup gets underway on Friday (March 4).

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The Mumbaikar ranked 8th in ICC Women's ODI player rankings. Moreover, she has scored 2461 runs in 64 ODIs at an average of 41.71. She had hit 71 off 84 balls in the final ODI to deny the whitewash in the five-match series.

South Africa Women won the warm up match against India Women

However, the blow did not affect India's charge in the warm-up game. Harmanpreet Kaur scored a century (103 off 114 deliveries) and top-order batter Yastika Bhatia scored a patient 78-ball 58. They guide the team India to a respective total of 244/9 in 50 overs.

Mithali Raj was run out after a mix-up with Bhatia for a duck. though the innings belonged to Harmanpreet Kaur, who raced along with little risk. The right-hander held the innings together with the lower order, ticking over to three figures in the latter stages of the innings.

Mandhana did not take the field at the start of South Africa's innings. South Africa chased down the target in the very last ball of their innings. Laura Wolvardt scored 85 off 96 balls and skipper Luus smashed 87 off 96 as they finishes on 245/9. For India Gayakwad took 4 wickets in her 10 overs.

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Brief scores:

Indian Women: 244/9 in 50 overs
(Yastika Bhatia 58, Harmanpreet Kaur 103; Ayabonga Khaka 3/23)
South African Women: 245/6 in 50 overs
(Laura Wolvardt 85, Sune Luus 87; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 4/44)

South Africa Women won by 4 wickets.