Harmanpreet Kaur Suffers Knee Injury, Misses Fielding in First ODI vs Australia

In a setback for India, captain Harmanpreet Kaur was unable to take the field during the second innings of the first ODI against Australia after sustaining a knee injury while batting. The match was held at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Tuesday. According to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Harmanpreet injured her left knee during India’s innings. The medical team is currently monitoring her condition. In her absence, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stepped in to lead the side on the field. The exact moment of the injury remains unclear, but Harmanpreet was seen receiving treatment at the end of the 38th over when she was batting on 40 off 67 balls. Despite the discomfort, she continued to bat until the 44th over, eventually scoring 53 runs from 84 deliveries. Her innings included three boundaries and played a crucial role in stabilizing India’s innings after a middle-order collapse. She also shared a valuable 53-run partnership with Kashvee Gautam, who contributed 43 runs off 44 balls. Their stand helped India recover from a difficult position of 140 for 6 in the 34th over. Earlier, Mandhana had provided a strong start with 58 runs off 68 balls. India posted a total of 214, which they aimed to defend in the second innings. Meanwhile, Australia’s bowling effort was strengthened by Megan Schutt, who returned figures of 2 for 42 in her nine overs. Australia entered the ODI series without key players Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth, both sidelined due to quad injuries sustained during the preceding T20I series, which India won 2-1. The duo is now racing against time to regain fitness ahead of the one-off Test match scheduled after the ODI series.