Commonwealth Games 2022: India lose to Australia despite Renuka Thakur brilliance - Highlights
Harmanpreet Kaur scored the first half-century in the Commonwealth Games in women's cricket as India scored 154/8. Renuka Thakur (4/18) stunned Australia but they still won with 3 wickets to spare.
India vs Australia will be the first cricket match of CWG 2022 (BCCI)
India vs Australia, Commonwealth Games: India lost by 3 wickets to favourites Australia as women's cricket made its debut at the CWG on Friday.
Opener Shafali Verma (48) gave India a great start before some quick wickets in the middle overs gave Australia the upper hand. Harmanpreet Kaur (52) gave the score a push with some big shots at the end as India finished with 154/8. Renuka Thakur (4/18) bowled a stunning spell in the Powerplay to smash through the Aussie top order but a counter-attack from the middle order took the Aussies to a win with 3 wickets and one over to spare.
Highlights:
India lose by 3 wickets with 6 balls to spare. What a disappointing defeat this is for the Indian team. Renuka's early blitz left Australia in a heap but India have managed to lose from a winning position.
India's next match is against Pakistan on Sunday.
This is becoming a nail-biter. Some lucky runs for Australia for the 8th wicket partnership. Meghana bowling well but not having any luck. Ashleigh Gardner (30*) the nemesis for India at the moment.
AUS 134/7 after 17, need 21 in 3 overs
Harris falls for 37 as India breathe a sigh of relief. Australia look to cut loose as the match gets into interesting territory, before Deepti Sharma gets another big breakthrough.
AUS 110/7, need 45 from 34 balls
Grace Harris, playing her first T20I since 2016, and Ashleigh Gardner build a partnership that gives Australia some hope as India go to their spinners. Harris in particular making merry against them.
AUS 91/5, need 66 in 8 overs
Renuka Thakur finishes her spell with 4/18. Australia have not lost a wicket since her blitz in the PP.
Deepti introduced into the attack and she compounds Australia's woes. India are running over defending champions in their first match!
AUS 55/5 after 8
Renuka Thakur is unplayable at the moment! Gets her fourth wicket with the best ball of the match yet! Inswinger into Tahlia Mcgrath's stumps.
Australia have been stunned by this Renuka assault!
AUS 38/4 after 5
Renuka Singh runs through this strong Australian batting top-order.
Australia 21-3 after 3 overs
Alyssa Healy holed out to Deepti Sharma on the 2nd ball going out for a silver duck and then she comes back to take dangerous Meg Lanning out.
Australia 21-2 after 2.4 overs.
Harmanpreet reaches her 50 with a four swept in the 20th over before falling for 52 off the penultimate ball of the innings.
India finish with 154/8 in 20 overs.