Injured Indian spinner Shreyanka Patil ruled out of the remainder of Women's Asia Cup 2024

In a massive blow for Team India, spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing Women's Asia Cup 2024 due to a fractured finger. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially confirmed that Patil will be replaced by the slow left-arm orthodox bowler Tanuja Kanwer for the rest of the tournament.

Patil got injured while attempting a catch during the encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan on Friday, July 19, in Dambulla. Despite this, the 21-year-old finished the innings with figures of 2/14 in 3.2 overs.

India register comfortable win against Pakistan in their Women's Asia Cup 2024 opener

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side began their title defense on a winning note by defeating Pakistan in the second match of the 2024 Women's Asia Cup. Pakistan captain Nida Dar played her 150th T20I, becoming the first-ever cricketer (male and female) from her country to achieve the feat. Upon winning the toss, she opted to bat first.

The Indian bowlers were at their best at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday evening, picking up wickets at regular intervals against the struggling Pakistan batters, who failed to get going. Eventually, Pakistan were bowled out for just 108 runs in 19.2 overs, with Sidra Ameen being the top-scorer. She managed 25 runs off 35 balls.

Off-spinner Deepti Sharma was the pick of the bowlers for the Women in Blue, having picked up three wickets for 20 runs in her four-over spell. Apart from Shreyakna Patil, pacers Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar took two wickets each.

Chasing 109 runs for the victory, the Indian openers got off to a flyer as they added 85 runs for the first wicket. While Shafali Verma amassed 40 runs off 29 balls, southpaw Smriti Mandhana produced a 31-ball 45-run knock.

The defending champions chased down the target comfortably, with seven wickets and 35 balls to spare. Deepti Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match for her exploits with the ball.