In a moment that left commentators amused and fans talking, Mitchell Starc burst into laughter after Harmanpreet Kaur accidentally scooped the ball onto her own helmet during India’s innings against Australia in the second women’s ODI on Friday. The unusual incident occurred on the penultimate delivery of the 39th over. Australia pacer Megan Schutt bowled a slower back-of-a-length delivery well outside off stump as Harmanpreet attempted a reverse scoop.
However, the India captain had to adjust late and merely extended her bat. The ball ricocheted straight back and struck her on the helmet badge. Watching from the commentary box, Starc could not hold back his laughter at the bizarre moment. The Indian physio quickly rushed onto the field to assess Harmanpreet after the impact. Fortunately, the skipper was declared fit to continue and carried on with her innings.
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Earlier in the match, opener Pratika Rawal laid the foundation for India with a steady half-century. Rawal scored 52 off 81 balls, striking six boundaries and adding a crucial 78-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, who contributed 31. The pair helped India take advantage of favourable batting conditions early in the innings.
Whoops! Harmanpreet Kaur whacked one into her own helmet 😅 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bzPeAcii2O
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 27, 2026
However, the momentum slowed as Australia clawed their way back through disciplined bowling. Ashleigh Gardner dismissed Mandhana after she missed a paddle sweep, while Annabel Sutherland removed Jemimah Rodrigues, who edged a loose shot outside off stump.
Australia continued to chip away at the middle order. Alana King trapped Richa Ghosh leg-before for 22 and also accounted for Deepti Sharma.
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Despite the setbacks, Harmanpreet steadied the innings with a vital 54 from 70 balls, including two fours and a six. She also shared a valuable 55-run stand with Kashvee Gautam, whose quick 25 helped India cross the 200-run mark. India eventually finished on a competitive 251/9, keeping the contest alive in the three-match ODI series against Australia after trailing 0-1.
