Brisbane

India women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur sustained a left knee injury while batting during the first ODI against Australia at Allan Border Field on Tuesday, forcing her to miss the field during the second innings.

In a post on X, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the medical team is monitoring her condition. With Harmanpreet unavailable, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana took charge of the side.

“Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has not taken the field in the second innings after sustaining an injury to her left knee while batting. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring her progress. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is leading the side in her absence,” the BCCI said.

Harmanpreet scored 53 off 83 balls for India and added a 53-run partnership with Kashvee Gautam, who made 43 off 44 deliveries.

Australia won the opening ODI by six wickets to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing 215 after restricting India to 214, the hosts were guided by captain Alyssa Healy (50 off 70) and Beth Mooney, who struck a match-winning 76 off 79 balls to earn the Player of the Match award. Annabel Sutherland (48* off 44) sealed a comfortable finish.

For India, Mandhana top-scored with 58, while Harmanpreet’s 53 featured key partnerships with Mandhana (48), Richa Ghosh (37) and Kashvee Gautam (43). Ashleigh Gardner starred with the ball, claiming three wickets.

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Earlier in the tour, India Women clinched the three-match T20I series 2–1. The second ODI will be played at Bellerive Oval on Friday.