Star Indian pacer ruled out of semifinal clash against Australia in Women's 20-20 World Cup 2023

India (Source: Twitter)

Indian Team's Pooja Vastrakar has been ruled out of the Women's 20-20 World Cup 2023 semi-final match against Australia, which will be played on Thursday, February 23 at Newlands in Cape Town. Prior to the knockout match, the pacer developed an upper respiratory tract infection. Vastrakar appeared in all four of India's Women's Group games, taking two wickets at a 44.5 average.

Following a request from the Indian Cricket Board, the Apex Cricket Council Event Technical Committee has approved off-spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana as a replacement for Vastrakar. The 29-year-old has played 24 Twenty20 Internationals, taking 24 wickets at an average of 20.37 and an economy rate of 6.11.

In the meantime, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's fitness is also in question ahead of the all-important semi-final. Harmanpreet and pacer Vastrakar were hospitalised ahead of the big game, according to media reports. On Wednesday evening, they were discharged.

While India suffered a major setback when pace bowler Vastrakar was ruled out, Australia received good news ahead of the semi-finals when keeper-batter Alyssa Healy was declared fit. Due to a quad injury, Healy missed Australia's final group match against South Africa.

I feel like anything can happen: Meg Lanning

On the eve of the knockout match, team captain Meg Lanning confirmed that all of their players will be available. During a press conference, Lanning stated: "We've got a full squad. Alyssa Healy is fit and available, which is great for us. She's had a great tournament so far and is going to play an important role. So that's nice, but it does make it pretty difficult to get it down to XI".

The Australian leader also discussed the upcoming semi-final against India, an opponent they have faced frequently in recent years. "I feel like anything can happen. And we understand that pretty well. But we're as planned as we can be in terms of their individuals and their sort of team style of play. But you can't predict what's going to happen. So, we need to be able to adapt and sort of play what's in front of us. I think that's really important in coming with all the plans that you want.”