Sourav Ganguly, the President of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has praised the Indian women’s cricket team for winning a silver medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games. However, he additionally said that the team would be disheartened on missing gold as it was “their game”. India lost the gold medal match against Australia by 9 runs at Edgbaston, Birmingham as they failed to chase down 162.

Australia skipper Meg Lanning chose to bat first and posted 161/8 infeasible from Mooney’s knocks of 61 runs. For India, Renuka Singh and Sneh Rana got back with two wickets each.

In the pursuit of 162, India were controlling everything with Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues pushing ahead. Though, the side imploded from 118/2 to 152 hard and fast, and eventually, Australia wrapped up a success.

For India, captain Harmanpreet top-scored with a knock of 65.

Earlier on Sunday, New Zealand had won the bronze medal in women’s cricket after defeating England.

After silver, Harmanpreet addressed NDTV and said:

 “Yeah definitely it is a big moment for all of us. First time, we were participating and the way we played this tournament, it was great to watch. We were close to gold medal, but once again we did the same mistakes we have been doing in the big tournaments. You know, we have to keep working hard on lower-order batting. I am sure we will do well in the upcoming tournaments. I think this silver medal matters a lot, this will definitely motivate young girls back home,”

Harmanpreet said.

ALSO READ: CWG 2022: India bags Silver, against Australia in Women’s T20I Cricket CWG Final

Before the CWG gold award match, Australia’s Tahlia McGrath tried positive for COVID-19, yet she was permitted to play the final.

“Well, they did inform us before the toss, it was something which was not in our control. We went with the sportsman spirit, she was not that ill, we did what we had to do, it was not in our control,”

said the India skipper.

Preview

Ind-W vs Aus-W: India taking on Australia in another T20 tournament final. The last time this happened, Australia blew away India in front of a packed Melbourne crowd, before the pandemic. The game will definitely pop up in the Indian players minds as it was a very tough one to swallow, given the manner at which they lost. After that game though, India has regularly come close to beating Australia.

In the World Cup and CWG fixture earlier, India had their moments but Australia’s depth bought the back in the game. Australia’s depth is what separates them from other sides. Despite losing early wickets, they have the batting to steer them through, and an immense amount of bowling options, which makes them very dominating.

Ind-W vs Aus-W Head to Head

Played-23 | India-6 | Australia-16 | No Result- 1

Match Details

Match: Ind-W vs Aus-W

Date: 7th August 2022

Time: 9:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during the Ind-W vs Aus-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

Ind-W vs Aus-W Predicted Playing XI

Ind Women Playing XI

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodriguez, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Yastika Bhatia, Harleen Deol, Taniya Bhatia(wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar

Aus Women Playing XI

Beth Moony, Alyssa Healy(wk), Meg Lanning(c), Tahlia McGrath, Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner, Nicola Carey, Jess Jonaseen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Grace Harris

Key Players

Alyssa Healy

Alyssa Healy is going to be the main target on India’s mind. In the 2020 World Cup Finals. Her 75 was enough to out-bat India as it the set the tone for them to get a huge score. She is a big match player, and will definitely be a threat to score a lot of runs. If she manages to bat through the first half of the innings Australia will find themselves in a very commanding position, and India know they will need her wicket as soon as possible.

Deepti Sharma

Deepti Sharma is doing a fine job with both bat and ball. She is finishing the innings well and is putting an all-round show this year. With the ball likely to spin, she is going to be a key weapon for India, who can try and exploit whatever weakness in spin they find in Australia. Her batting down the order is also going to be crucial as she will definitely have to put up priceless runs against a strong Australian unit.

Ind-W vs Aus-W Match Tips

The Indians are definitely coming into this game as underdogs. Although they have done well and pushed Australia as well in the last few encounters, Australia will be confident of their chances at getting a gold medal.

Match Prediction: Aus-W Will Win the Match

For Harmanpreet Kaur, playing for the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games “means a lot” and a favorable result in the final can “change a lot of things” for the game in India. Speaking after India’s four-run win in a seesaw semi-final against England at Edgbaston on Saturday, Harmanpreet, now India’s all-format captain, said the result was possible because of the players’ immense self-belief and their never-say-die attitude. For the record, this was India’s first win in a knockout game in a T20I competition outside the Commonwealth games.

“It means a lot for us, we’ve been working hard for so long,” Harmanpreet said. “This is a great platform for us. Participating for the first time [in the Commonwealth], if we can do well [in the final], a lot of things can change for us. “We never thought or wondered what we are playing for and what we aren’t playing for. [Gold] medal coming or not coming isn’t in our hands. We just want to play well. The way we’ve played so far, we’ve learnt a lot.”

At one stage, with England needing 33 off 24 balls with seven wickets in hand, it looked like the momentum may have slipped away from India. But their spinners, Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, delivered just when the team needed them to. For Harmanpreet, seeing the energy on the field right, especially under pressure, was a revelation.

Also Read: WI vs IND, 4th T20I: IND seals the win by 59 runs!

Smriti Mandhana, Sneh Rana Shines, securing a medal for Indian Side

“Until the last moment, we believed we could win, even though they had a couple of strong partnerships,” she said. “Even when they were going well, no one gave up. We’ve been working on this for a while. If you keep doing this, results will come at some point along the way, and I’m glad it is showing now.

“It was an important match. It feels good that everyone stepped up to their responsibilities with the bat, ball and on the field. It’s important that all of them remain together in such matches. In the last over, if you see, our fast fielders took the responsibility of fielding in the deep during Commonwealth.

That shows how keen you are to do well for the team.” Harmanpreet suggested that the key to India becoming serious contenders for global titles in recent times, even if they won any, was because they were trying to embrace pressure and not be intimidated by the big stage. She credited the support staff for trying to bring about this change and also for “bringing in new plans”.

“I’m a great fan of knowing how other teams are doing,” she said. “If you’re aware of it, you can plan. We need someone who can help us like that and I’m happy it’s working for us.” Among the plans that were put to good use on Saturday were, firstly, taking pace off the ball against England’s middle-order batters, and secondly, having the deep-cover fielder squarer than usual in the death overs.

Preview

Aus-W vs NZ-W: Aus-W are on their march to a gold medal but will now have a small hurdle of them. They face NZ in the Tran Tasmanian rivalry. Ideally, the match-up should be easy for Australia, but NZ is doing a pretty good job this tournament. Beating South Africa, and making the semi-finals is a nice achievement after struggling earlier in the World Cup. Now, if they manage to cause an upset here, the CWG will definitely be a little more spicy given Australia’s dominance.

Aus-W vs NZ-W Head to Head

Played-48 | Australia-24 | New Zealand-21 | No Result- 1

Match Details

Match: Aus-W vs NZ-W

Date: 6th August 2022

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during the Aus-W vs NZ-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

Aus-W vs NZ-W Predicted Playing XI

Aus-W Women Playing XI

Beth Moony, Alyssa Healy(wk), Meg Lanning(c), Tahlia McGrath, Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner, Nicola Carey, Jess Jonaseen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Grace Harris

NZ-W Women Playing XI

Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine(c), Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Lee Tahuhu, Brooke Halliday, Jessica McFadyen, Hayley Jansen, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Fran Jonas

Key Players

Sophie Devine

Sophie Devine has come up with decent contributions with the bat in the tournament. She has a calm head and that will be important in this encounter, which will be viewed heavily in the big stage. There will be a lot at stake given the volume of the event, and if she manages to cope with the pressure she will be an important weapon for NZ.

Alyssa Healy

If NZ are to challenge Australia they will have to get rid of Healy as soon as possible. She is a different player when it comes to the knock-out stages, and can handle pressure better than anyone. With morale easy to shift in a knockout game, a quick knock from her will set the tone nicely and put NZ into a negative chain reaction quickly.

Aus-W vs NZ-W Match Tips

Aus-W are favorites to win this match given their performance over the last few months. New Zealand though have a good record against Australia and could do well to push them, but that seems unlikely.

Match Prediction: Aus-W will win the match.

Preview

Eng-W vs Ind-W: The top four has been decided and the winner here is in for a medal for sure. Ideally, England women should feel confident against the Indian side. They are usually the better side in big events. India though are doing a pretty good job this tournament. They had two commanding wins and pushed Australia as well. With Renuka Singh bowling well, they will know that they are just one good spell away from a medal

Eng-W vs Ind-W Head to Head

Played-22 | India-5 | England-17

Match Details

Match: Eng-W vs Ind-W

Date: 6th August 2022

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during the Eng-W vs Ind-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

Eng-W vs Ind-W Predicted Playing XI

Ind Women Playing XI

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodriguez, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Yastika Bhatia, Harleen Deol, Taniya Bhatia(wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar

Eng Women Playing XI

Danni Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight(c), Nat Sciver, Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Mala Bouchier, Issy Wong, Kate Cross, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones

Key Players

Amelia Kerr

Young Amelia Kerr hasnt had the greatest of time on the big stage. With global audience watching, she has a nice chance to kickstart her career. However, after two low scores the pressure is on her to do well. She is a bundle of talent and will be hoping to find her range in this important fixture.

Renuka Singh

Renuka Singh is single-handedly damaging batting line-ups. She has two four wicket hauls in the tournament and is a huge threat in the upcoming game. A good spell from her will keep India ahead and will be what they need to set up a medal for India as they take on a tough England side.

Eng-W vs Ind-W Match Tips

England are a pretty good side, but India may come in with a little more confidence. Despite their issues in handling the big stage they may feel like they have a chance here given how they have gone through this tournament.

Match Prediction: Ind-W Will Win the Match

Preview

Eng-W vs NZ-W: Another dead rubber is in store for the CWG Fans. Both sides are through. A win though will give either side a huge advantage. By finshing first they can avoid facing a rampant Australian side, who are settled to win a gold medal. This gives the winning team today a better chance at a silver, as they come in with a lot to play for despite already having qualified.

Eng-W vs NZ-W Head to Head

Played-28 | New Zealand-6 | England-22

Match Details

Match: Eng-W vs NZ-W

Date: 4th August 2022

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during the Eng-W vs NZ-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

Eng-W vs NZ-W Predicted Playing XI

NZ Women Playing XI

Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine(c), Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Lee Tahuhu, Brooke Halliday, Jessica McFadyen, Hayley Jansen, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Fran Jonas

Eng Women Playing XI

Danni Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight(c), Nat Sciver, Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Mala Bouchier, Issy Wong, Kate Cross, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones

Key Players

Amelia Kerr

Amelia Kerr has been in decent knick through this tournament. She is a quality player and will relish playing on the big stage. With a win important for New Zealand to make the next stage, she has a job on hand and will be eager to make an impact.

Heather Knight

Heather Knight is another top order batter in this tournament who can make an impact. With England looking at the gold medal, she has a role to play and England will want her in top form before they go up against the likes of Australia.

Eng-W vs NZ-W Match Tips

England are pretty strong while NZ can be strong but end up inconsistent at times. With NZ’s inconsistency an issue, England are likely to win.

Match Prediction: Eng-W Will Win the

Preview

SA-W vs SL-W: SA-W and SL-W are both out of the competition. A win for either side takes them to two points, which is not enough given the other two teams have four points. They only have their pride to play for on this global stage and will hope to make it a memorable match.

SA-W vs SL-W Head to Head

Played-12 | South Africa- 9 | Sri Lanka- 3

Match Details

Match: SA-W vs SL-W

Date: 4th August 2022

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during the Bar-W vs Ind-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

Bar-W vs Ind-W Predicted Playing XI

SA-W Playing XI

Mignon Du Preez, Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus(c), Sinalo Jaffa, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Ayabonga Khaka

SL-W Playing XI

Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Ama Kanchana, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk),  Oshadi Ranasinghe, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani

Key Players

Chamari Athapaththu

Playing in the big stage is rare for Sri Lanka, given their lack of quality. Few players though have the quality but are failing to live up to the expectations needed. Athapaththu is one of them. She is a player capable of steering her side alone and will have to do so if she is to make a name for herself on the global stage

Mignon Du Preez

Mignon Du Preez is a pretty effective batter at the top. With South Africa out of the tournament, she will be looking to spend some time as South Africa go for some tough assignments after this tour. They will be upset at not qualifying and will look to fight hard in this last game.

SA-W vs SL-W Match Tips

SA-W are likely to breeze through this game. SL are still not competitive in this stage and will do well to compete, but are far from winning the upcoming contest.

Match Prediction: SA-W Will Win

Preview

Bar-W vs Ind-W: Group A is in a pretty interesting position. Australia are likely through while Pakistan are out, but India and Barbados are both in with a fair shot. A win here carries the winning team to the top four. India narrowly missed out on a top four spot when the West Indies snuck through a few months ago, and they will be hoping a repeat doesn’t happen this time around. Both teams are full of talent but Barbados can be an unpredictable side. The game is likely to be the last international match for Deandre Dottin, who has announced her retirement for the West Indies.

Bar-W vs Ind-W Head to Head

Played-0 | India- 0 | Barbados- 0

Match Details

Match: Bar-W vs Ind-W

Date: 3rd August 2022

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during the Bar-W vs Ind-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

Bar-W vs Ind-W Predicted Playing XI

Bar-W Playing XI

Hayley Matthews(c), Deandre Dottin, Alisa Scantlebury, Kycia Knight(wk), Keila Elliot, Shanika Bruce, Trishan Holder, Aaliyah Williams, Tiffany Thorpe, Shakera Salmon, Shaunte Carrington

Ind-W Playing XI

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodriguez, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Yastika Bhatia, Harleen Deol, Taniya Bhatia(wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Pooja Vastrakar

Key Players

Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana was at her explosive best against Pakistan. India while chasing are always a little nervous, but she helped get rid of any nerves when she came out blazing. Against Barbados, she will have a bigger role to play as the start she provides will determine their entry into the next round of the Commonwealth Games.

Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews is another one of the pillars in the West Indies team. Playing for Barbados, her role at the top is even more important. Her ability to bat steadily makes her the perfect foil to Deandre Dottin, who is aggressive. If Matthews can bat through the innings, India will be in a lot of trouble, giving Barbados a strong shot at moving to the next round.

Bar-W vs Ind-W Match Tips

Both teams are pretty strong while Barbados can be pretty unpredictable. Given India’s inconsistency and struggles in big tournaments, Barbados may be ahead coming into the contest.

Match Prediction: Bar-W Will Win

Preview

Aus-W vs Pak-W: Australia are almost through to the next round and are already looking like a side that could snatch the gold medal and walk home with ease. They have Pakistan ahead of them, who are on their way out of the tournament and struggling to make an impact. In both games, Pakistan has been uncompetitive with both bat and ball and have a lot of work to do.

Aus-W vs Pak-W Head to Head

Played-12 | Australia-10 | Pakistan-0 | No Result- 2

Match Details

Match: Aus-W vs Pak-W

Date: 3rd August 2022

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during the Aus-W vs Pak-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

Aus-W vs Pak-W Predicted Playing XI

Pak-W Women Playing XI

Ayesha Naseem, Omaima Sohail, Bismah Maroof(c),Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali(wk), Aliya Raz, Fatima Sana, Nida Dar, Aiman Anwer, Anam Amim, Diana Baig

Aus-W Women Playing XI

Beth Moony, Alyssa Healy(wk), Meg Lanning(c), Tahlia McGrath, Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner, Nicola Carey, Jess Jonaseen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Grace Harris

Key Players

Bismah Maroof

The Pakistan captain is pushing for the allowance of Pakistan cricketers in other leagues. She understands the sides lack of ability under pressure. Maroof herself probably feels the struggle considering her slow strike-rate, and knows that she needs to start looking for change if she is trying to bring a change in Pakistan Cricket. With a game to go against Australia, she has one last chance to make an impact and try creating something for the future.

Meg Lanning

Meg Lanning is constantly improving when it comes to steering an innings. She is consistent and steady, and looks a very reliable presence when the team is entering the back end of its innings. With a lot of skill, she is always a safe bet given the runs she offers.

Aus-W vs Pak-W Match Tips

Pak-W are full of issues in their team. Aus-W though are as settled as ever and should easily walk through the upcoming game.

Match Prediction: Aus-W Will Win the Matc

Preview

NZ-W vs SL-W: NZ-W are one win away from getting close to sealing their spot in the semi-finals. If they win here and England beat South Africa they are through. With Sri Lanka ahead of them, a win looks likely unless SL surprise or NZ spring a surprise of their own and fail to show up as they did in the World Cup. SL are in with a chance still as they have some talent in the side, but are failing to find consistency.

NZ-W vs SL-W Head to Head

Played-8 | New Zealand-8 | Sri Lanka-0

Match Details

Match: NZ-W vs SL-W

Date: 2nd August 2022

Time: 10:30 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Weather Report

The weather at Birmingham is clear with a few clouds during theNZ-W vs SL-W game.

Pitch Report

The track is flat and expected to be full of runs. Batting second is a better option.

NZ-W vs SL-W Predicted Playing XI

NZ Women Playing XI

Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine(c), Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Lee Tahuhu, Brooke Halliday, Jessica McFadyen, Hayley Jansen, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Fran Jonas

SL Women Playing XI

Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Ama Kanchana, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk),  Oshadi Ranasinghe, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani

Key Players

Suzie Bates

Suzie Bates is another batter who can dictate the game early on. She knows how to take the bowlers on, and can make a huge impact before Sri Lanka’s spinners come and try keep Sri Lanka in the game. A strong start will also allow NZ to help secure a win with a decent margin, allowing them to have a good NRR if it comes into play.

Inoka Ranaweera

In the T20is against India, Ranaweera single-handedly held the bowling unit together. She is an aggressive spinner who can strangle batters with her accuracy and turn. With NZ slightly susceptible against spin, her bowling could help Sri Lanka stay in the game.

NZ-W vs SL-W Match Tips

SL-W are still not finding the quality needed to compete against strong sides. If New Zealand show up well, they are in for an easy win. Unless NZ find themselves in a situation like they faced in the World Cup where luck didn’t favor them, NZ are going to remain ahead.

Match Prediction: NZ-W Will Win the Match