Blow for India: Harmanpreet Kaur suffers neck injury vs Pakistan, Smriti Mandhana delivers big update

India's thumping win over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 was marred by an injury sustained by their talismanic captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

While the captain led her team from the very front in the crucial clash, she could not end the match for her team as she had to retire hurt. India needed only two runs when Harmanpreet Kaur decided to walk off the field.

The incident took place in the 19th over when the right-handed batter was facing Nida Dar. On the fourth ball of the over, she lost her balance while trying to play a delivery outside the off stump. She was well outside the stump and the Pakistan wicketkeeper had all the time in the world to take the bails off.

However, she failed to collect the ball cleanly. In the meantime, Harmanpreet Kaur tried to get back inside the crease at full stretch and ended up injuring herself. The physio came out immediately to check on the India captain. After a while, Harmanpreet decided to walk off the field while holding her neck.

Before departing, the right-handed batter played a crucial knock of 29 runs from 24 balls. Chasing 106 runs, India were on 61/1 before losing three wickets in quick succession to find themselves 4 down for 80. However, Harmanpreet stood firm at one end and took India close to the finishing line.

Update on Harmanpreet Kaur's injury:

Harmanpreet Kaur did not come out for the post-match presentation ceremony. Opening batter Smriti Mandhana replaced her captain during the ceremony and delivered an injury update. Mandhana said 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," said Mandhana.

Speaking further, the star batter praised her team's effort with the ball before admitting that the team could have done better with the bat.

"As a bowling unit, we were very disciplined and in the field we were good too. We could have done with a better start with the bat, but we will take this," she said.

Talking about the game, India thrashed Pakistan by 6 wickets to open their account in the Women's T20 World Cup. Pakistan, who started their campaign with a 31-run win over Sri Lanka, finished their innings on a modest total of 105/8. In reply, India chased down the total in 18.5 overs.