India opened their winning account in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, but an injury to skipper Harmanpreet Kaur in the closing stages of the run-chase left the Indian camp worried.
Having suffered a crushing defeat in their campaign opener, the Women in Blue produced a clinical bowling display to restrict Pakistan to 105/8.
The run-chase saw Harmanpreet lead the charge, until the penultimate over when she walked off clutching her neck after she attempted to quickly get back into the crease.
Nida Dar bowled one full and wide outside the off-stump and Kaur missed the swipe to the off-side, moving out of the crease in the process. In an attempt to get back into the crease, the Indian captain seemed to have hurt her neck.
The physio came out to attend her and, despite India being just two runs shy of a win, Harmanpreet Kaur walked off.
India eventually overhauled the target with seven deliveries to spare as Sajana Sajeevan walked out to bat and hit a boundary off the only ball she faced.
After the game, India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared an update on Harmanpreet, stating that the injury was still being assessed by the medical team and hoped that her teammate would be alright.
“Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully she is alright,” Mandhana said at the post-match presentation.
India’s next match is scheduled against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 9.
