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'Too Soon To Say Anything': Smriti Mandhana Provides Update On Harmanpreet Kaur's Concerning Injury

Harmanpreet Kaur walks off the field after neck injury vs PAK-W (source @ICC)Harmanpreet Kaur walks off the field after neck injury vs PAK-W (source @ICC)

In India's six-wicket win over Pakistan during the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, captain Harmanpreet Kaur retired hurt in the penultimate over of the chase due to a neck injury. This incident raised concerns as she lost her balance while batting and had to leave the game mid-way.

The Indian Women's team overcame an embarrassing defeat against New Zealand with a 6-wicket victory over Pakistan on October 6 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India restricted Pakistan to 105/8, with Arundhati Reddy delivering a career-best performance, taking 3-19. Despite Pakistan's low score, India's chase wasn't straightforward. The disciplined Pakistani bowling slowed India down, as they managed only 25/1 in the powerplay. 

Harmanpreet Kaur's injury severity still unknown

Although Shafali Verma (32), Jemimah Rodrigues (23), and Harmanpreet Kaur (29) stabilised the innings, the chase was completed with just seven balls to spare, resulting in a modest improvement in their net run rate (NRR), which now stood at -1.217.

On top of that, captain Harmanpreet Kaur got badly injured in the 19th over. She lost balance while attempting a cut shot and hurt her neck. The physios took her out, and Sajana Sajeevan replaced her to score the winning runs.

Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana, who filled in for Kaur in the post-game press conference, revealed that medics were still treating Harmanpreet Kaur and yet to determine the severity of the injury. While Smriti hopes everything is alright, extended evaluation hints that something is not right.

“Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully she is alright,” said Smriti.

Kaur's injury could be a disaster for India, who are on the brink of a shocking group-stage elimination from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

India faces heat from fans on social media

ICC launched an AI tool to moderate social media criticism for women players featuring in the 2024 Women's World Cup. However, the initiative had too little impact as the India Women's team faced heavy flak over their loss against New Zealand. Fans criticised India's abysmal standards on the world stage despite being provided with all the facilities and support from the BCCI.