On Sunday, the Indian women’s cricket team lost to Australia by nine runs at the final of the women’s T20 cricket event. Australia won the gold while India had to settle for silver in their very first CWG cricket campaign.
Reminiscent of the India’s loss against England in 2017 women’s World Cup final, Sunday’s match also had a similar margin of defeat.
At one point India looked like it was in a comfortable position to win the gold as the score read 118-2 in the 15th over. But a strong bowling lineup from Australia’s side caused much damage to the Indian batting order as it crumbled. The Indian batswomen showed some gumption and reached the final over with a need for 11 runs and two wickets remaining. But Meghna Singh lost her wicket in a run out on the second ball and Yastika Bhatia was LBWed in the following ball.
The match began on an unexpected juncture where the toss was delayed because of discussions about inclusion of Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath’s who had tested positive for COVID-19. Eventually Australia opt to bat.
Meg Lanning (36, 26b, 5x4, 6x1) and Beth Mooney (61, 41b, 8x4) made 74 runs in 47 balls. The Australian team finished at 161 for eight in 20 overs.
India opener ShafaliVerma got off to a good start with two fours in the first over. SmritiMandhana, ended up getting bowled. Next Jemimah Rodrigues and captainHarmanpreet Kaur kept the innings going.
But just when India looked like it was in a strong position, Rodrigues was bowled by MeganSchutt for 33 in the 15th over.
The rest of the team crumbled subsequently and the match came to a close with India being the losing side.
