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New Delhi: India suffered a major setback during the first ODI against Australia in Brisbane as captain Harmanpreet Kaur suffered a knee injury while batting. She did not take to the field in the second half, and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana had to lead the team in her absence.The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry confirmed the infection and said that its medical team is closely monitoring her condition.
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“Captain Harmanpreet Kaur did not take 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 team in her absence,” the board posted on X.Harmanpreet played an important knock, scoring 53 runs off 83 balls, and added key partnerships with Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and Kashvi Gautam. Mandhana was India’s top scorer with 58 goals, while Kashfi scored 43 goals.Despite India’s efforts, they were limited to 214 runs. Australia chased down the target comfortably, winning by six wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Captain Alyssa Healy scored 50 points, while Beth Mooney scored 76 points and was named player of the match. Annabel Sutherland ended the chase with an unbeaten 48.Ashleigh Gardner was the outstanding bowler for Australia with three wickets.India had earlier won the T20I series 2-1, but now face pressure ahead of the second ODI in Hobart on Friday, where Harmanpreet’s fitness will be closely monitored.