Cricket News: India (W) VS Australia (W) CWG: Ashleigh Gardner’s 52 left Renuka’ Singh’s 4/18 in vain
A classic start to Commonwealth Games 2022 as India lost a well-set-up match by Renuka Singh. Australia pulled off a heist despite losing their top four batters in the powerplay and being in a tough spot. Ashleigh Gardner first strangled the Indian side with her economical bowling and then assaulted the Indian bowlers with her willow to take Australia to a three-wicket win
Australia beat IndiaOpting to bat first, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma opened their partnership dealing in boundaries. Smriti Mandhana lost her wicket at 24, chasing a wide delivery of Darcie Brown and soon was followed by Yastika Bhatia after getting run-out. Shafali Varma rode her luck but eventually fell short by two runs for her fifty.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur looked to play a valuable knock and add crucial runs for her bowlers to fight but did not get enough support from the other end as Jess Jonassen destroyed the lower middle order to return with figures of 4/22. Harmanpreet Kaur scored 52 off 34 to put 154 on the scoreboard.
India made a terrific start to defend the total as Renuka Singh removed the top four batters for 34 in 4.1 overs. With Australia in a tight spot, Ashleigh Gardner came, saw and conquered the match-winning inning for Australia. She anchored to build a 51-run stand with Grace Harris. Ashleigh Gardner scored unbeaten 52 off 35, whereas Grace Harris scored 37, made beautifully with five boundaries and two sixes. Alana King (18*) sealed the win for Australia with Ashleigh Gardner by her side.
Apart from Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, no other bowler looked to have control over batters in any part of the innings.
With a lot to work on, Indian Women will face Pakistan on 31st July, whereas Australia will lock horns with Barbados tomorrow.