Women’s T20I: Yastika Bhatia recalls painful comeback from career-threatening injury

Yastika Bhatia marked a comeback from a career-threatening ACL injury with a match-winning half-century as India defeated England in the opening women’s T20I at Chelmsford. Returning to international cricket after knee surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, the 25-year-old southpaw said she was “grateful to be back” and credited the National Centre of Excellence, her family and support staff for helping her recover.

After India lost stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana for a golden duck and Shafali Verma cheaply, Yastika struck 54 off 40 balls, including nine fours and a six. She shared a game-changing 126-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored 69. 

Debutant pacer Nandani impressed with 3/34 as India restricted England to 150/8 after posting 188/7. The series serves as India’s final preparation ahead of next month’s Women’s T20 World Cup.