CWG 2022: Women's Cricket Makes Promising Debut At Commonwealth Games

Shafali Verma and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's stroked-filled innings helped India put up 154 for eight against Australia as women's cricket made a promising debut at the Commonwealth Games here on Friday. Shafali (48 off 33 balls) and Harmanpreet ( 52 off 34 balls) took India to a decent total which might not be enough against a champion side like Australia. India opener Smriti Mandhana, facing pacer Darcie Brown on the first ball of the competition, marked the beginning of a pivotal point in women's cricket with the game aiming to reach the Olympics via the CWG route.

The game did not involve hosts England but long queues were witnessed before the start of the game as enthusiastic fans trickled into the 25,000 capacity Edgbaston Stadium. The stadium was half full but it still made plenty of noise with the crowd cheering each boundary coming from the bat of the Indians.

"We love cricket whether men's or women's. I also watched the Indian men's team here earlier this month, I paid 140 pounds for that. Now I paid about 22 pounds," said Birmingham resident Paramjeet.

Even the non-cricket fans came to be part of history.

"This is my second live game ever. I watched a men's game in Antigua four years ago and now this. I am here on a four day trip from Surrey and will be watching as many sports as I can. The atmosphere looks great today," said Linda Casey on way to entering the stadium.

Like it is always the case, there was no shortage of 'home' support for the Indian team.

However, the Harmanpreet-led side lost their way in the last five overs with five wickets falling for 39 runs.

Smriti played some elegant shots during her short stay before Shafali and Harmanpreet took the attack to the Australian bowlers.

With a bit of