The first ball of the Australia women’s ODI series against India turned worrisome when captain Harmanpreet Kaur injured her left knee batting at Brisbane. Official word from BCCI: she’s under observation and skipped fielding, promoting Smriti Mandhana to lead.
Kaur anchored with 53 runs from 84 balls and four boundaries, surviving an early hit from Schutt to partner Mandhana for 48 runs that steadied India from 52-3. Gardner ended her stay, but the damage was done physically.
Batting first post-toss win, India folded at 214 in 48.3 overs. Mandhana’s 58 off 68 (seven fours) led, with Gautam’s aggressive 43 (44 balls) and Ghosh’s 23 providing sparks amid Australia’s clinical bowling.
Standout performer Gardner bagged three scalps, Schutt two, while Brown, King, McGrath, and Molineux accounted for the rest. As Australia bats, Kaur watches from the sidelines, her status uncertain but medically attended.
This twist tests India’s depth and Mandhana’s mettle early. Kaur’s warrior spirit shone through pain, reminiscent of her World Cup heroics, fueling optimism for a turnaround if she returns soon.