New Delhi: India suffered a major setback in the first ODI against Australia in Brisbane when captain Harmanpreet Kaur injured his knee while batting. She did not play in the second innings and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana had to lead the team in her absence.The BCCI confirmed her injury and said their medical team is closely monitoring her condition.
“Captain Harmanpreet Kaur injured her left knee while batting and therefore did not feature in the second innings. The BCCI medical team is monitoring her progress. Vice-captain Smriti Mandana is leading the team in her absence,” the board posted on X.Harmanpreet played an important role, scoring 53 runs off 83 balls and forging important partnerships with Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and Kashvee Gautam. Mandhana emerged as India’s top scorer with 58 points, while Kashvee topped the list with 43 points.Despite India’s efforts, they were restricted to 214 matches. Australia chased down the target with ease, winning by six wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Captain Alyssa Healy scored 50 points while Beth Mooney Shot a winning 76 and was named player of the match. Annabel Sutherland ended the chase with an unbeaten 48.Ashleigh Gardner was the standout bowler for Australia with three wickets.India won the T20I series 2-1 earlier but are now under pressure heading into the second ODI in Hobart on Friday and Harmanpreet’s fitness will be closely watched.
