That will be it from today. India start off the World Cup with a bang as they have defeated the hosts. On Saturday, 22nd February, it will be a double-header as West Indies will take on Thailand in the first game at 1500 Local (0700 GMT). It will be followed by New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka at 1900 Local (1100 GMT). Till then, cheers and take care!
The Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, says that this is a great start for the team. Says that they were just looking to do well with the bat and put a score of around 140 on the board. Mentions that the partnership between Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues was pivotal and that the track was on the slower side. Credits Poonam Yadav with leading the bowling attack and the way she has recovered from the injury.
The Australian skipper, Meg Lanning, says that the bowlers did a very good job to restrict the Indian batters. Adds that the batters failed tonight and a lack of partnerships hurt them in the end. Credits the Indian bowlers for the way they bowled. Adds that they came into this match well prepared and now they will assess this game and will be looking forward to the next game. Ends by saying that they have to win their remaining games and look to go further in the tournament.
Poonam Yadav collects the Player of the Match award. On being asked about her recovery, she thanks her teammates and the physios who have always encouraged and helped her. Says that the first time she bowled here it was against the Australians and she wanted to do well again tonight. Says that this is the third time that she has missed out on a hat-trick but she wants to do well for the team and is pleased with her performance today.
Earlier in the game, after being asked to bat first, India managed to put on a decent total after good efforts from Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma. The total could've been even bigger but the Aussie bowlers pulled things back after the early assault from teenager Verma. Eventually, the total ended up being a pretty good one as the Indians managed to keep the Aussies at bay and win the opening game of the tournament by defeating the reigning World Champions, Australia. Stay tuned for the presentation.
Like India, Australia started well with the bat. However, introduction of Poonam Yadav saw wickets fall quickly and run-scoring getting difficult. She troubled one and all with her flighted deliveries and ended with a 4-fer. It could've easily been a fifer with a hat-trick but Bhatia put down a chance but that didn't trouble India as they rolled over the Aussies. Shikha Pandey was the one who removed the first wicket and she was excellent in her spell, picking up 3 wickets for 14 runs.
The run chase started brilliantly for the Aussies and Healy took the attack to the opposition. She was playing brilliantly but she had to do all the job alone as others around her could not contribute much. Apart from Healy's half ton and the fight from Ashleigh Gardner, none of the Aussie batters could enter into the two-figure mark and it should be enough to describe the batting by the hosts.
Wow! What a brilliant start to the tournament and it is India who edge over Australia, the hosts, in this excellent game. Poonam Yadav was all over the Aussies with her flighted deliveries and her 4-fer saw them crumble after having a great start provided by Healy.
19.5
W
OUT! RUN OUT! That is all over and Australia are thumped in the tournament opener. Fuller ball around off, Schutt pushes it towards sweeper cover. They take the first run and go for the second. Rodrigues in the deep fires a throw at the non-striker's end. Pandey collects the ball and whips the bails off to catch Strano short. INDIA WIN BY 17 RUNS!
19.4
1
Just a run now! Length ball outside off, Strano pushes it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.3
.
Brilliant yorker! It is on middle, Strano can only dig it back to the bowler.
Megan Schutt is the new batter in.
19.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT & BOWLED! Australia are 9 down now and their only hope, Gardner departs. A high full toss around off, Gardner looks to slam it over deep mid-wicket but ends up mistiming it high in the air. Pandey settles herself under the ball and pouches it with ease.
19.1
1
NOT OUT! The ball bounced well in front of the keeper. A length ball outside off, Strano looks to reach out and drive but gets an outside edge. The ball goes behind and Bhatia collects it. The batters go for the quick run. The umpires get together and want to check if the ball went to Bhatia on the full. The soft signal is not out. The replays roll in and show that it bounced just in front of the gloves of the keeper.
Is that another wicket for India? The umpire gets together once again takes the decision upstairs. This time it is for a caught behind. Did the ball carry to the keeper there? No, just bounced before the gloves of Bhatia.
Shikha Pandey to bowl the final over of the match.
In over# 1
0
4
1W
0
0
1
Deepti Sharma 16/0(4)
18.6
.
Good ball to end the over! Tossed up delivery way outside off, it stays low after pitching. Gardner looks to pull but misses. 20 runs needed off the last over.
18.5
4
FOUR! Bad bowling! Floated shortish delivery on middle, Gardner rocks back and pulls this one towards the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
Molly Strano is the next batter in.
18.4
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Delissa Kimmince walks back now and Australia go further down the barrel. It is a wonderful throw from the deep by Jemimah Rodrigues. Shortish delivery outside off, Gardner rocks back and pulls this one towards mid-wicket. The batters set off for two. Gardner completes the first and calls her partner for the second. Kimmince obliges but Rodrigues collects the ball in the deep and fires a flat and fast throw at the non-striker's end where Deepti Sharma takes the bails off. Kimmince walks back now and the Indian team is in full celebratory mood.
18.3
.
Good length ball outside off now, Gardner looks to hoick this one towards the leg side but misses it completely.
18.2
.
Good length ball on the pads, Gardner looks to flick but misses.
18.1
1
Good fielding by Veda Krishnamurthy! Full ball on middle and leg, Kimmince pushes it towards mid-wicket and sets off for two. However, Veda rushes in from the deep and keeps it down to a single.
Deepti Sharma to bowl the penultimate over of the match. 3-0-11-0 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1nb
0
1
Poonam Yadav 19/4(4)
17.6
1
Shorter and on middle, Kimmince goes for the reverse sweep and works it towards point. A run taken. 27 needed off the final 2 overs.
17.5
1
Loopy ball outside off, Gardner comes down the track and looks to slog but mistimes it towards long on for a run.
17.4
.
Quicker one on middle, Gardner does well to force it towards covers.
17.3
.
Fuller and on the pads, flicked to the mid-wicket fielder. Nothing off the Free Hit.
17.3
1nb
NO BALL! NOT OUT! Gardner has been bowled as the ball hit her legs and then the stumps behind her, but the umpire has ruled this out as an illegal delivery. It is a loopy ball again from Poonam, Gardner comes down the track and looks to slog but misses. The ball hits her pad and rolls to hit the stumps. But before the Indians can celebrate, the umpires get together and refer it upstairs. The replays show that the ball bounced twice before it reached the popping crease and hence it has been given as a No Ball. Also, a Free Hit given to rub salt into the wounds of the Indian players.
Bowled? Safe? The umpires have referred a decision upstairs. The ball has hit the stumps off the pads of Gardner but it has bounced twice before it reached the popping crease. So, not out and a Free Hit for Australia.
17.2
.
Flatter and around off, Gardner cuts but finds the fielder at point.
17.1
1
Slower through the air outside off, Kimmince waits and pushes it down to long on for a run.
Poonam Yadav is back on. 3-0-15-4 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0W
1
0
Shikha Pandey 11/2(3)
16.6
.
Full and outside off, Gardner throws her bat at it but fails to connect. End of an excellent over from Pandey. 31 needed off the final 3 overs.
16.5
1
Full and just outside off, Kimmince drives it towards long off for a single.
16.4
.
Length ball on off, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Delissa Kimmince is the new batter in.
16.3
W
OUT! STUMPED! Australia lose their seventh wicket and this time it is Shikha Pandey who has struck. Length delivery on off, Sutherland looks to come down the track and strike it over the bowler but misses the ball completely. The ball goes towards Bhatia who collects the ball and whips the bails off in a flash to send Sutherland packing. The match is surely tilted towards India now and Australia have shot themselves in the foot after a good start.
16.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Gardner drives it through mid on for a single.
16.1
.
On a good length on middle, Gardner looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Shikha Pandey is back on. 2-0-9-1 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
1
6
0
1
1
0
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 31/1(4)
15.6
1
Flatter one on middle, pushed to long on for a single.
15.5
6
SIX! Massive! Gardner is keeping Australia in the game and this one should release some pressure. A full ball in the slot, Gardner slams it over the long on fence for a huge maximum.
15.4
.
On the pads, this is worked towards mid-wicket.
15.3
1
Loopy ball on off, Sutherland comes down the track and lofts it over mid off for a run.
15.2
1
Flatter and around off, pushed towards sweeper cover for a run.
15.1
.
Short and outside off, Sutherland cuts but finds the point fielder.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad is back on. 3-0-22-1 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
2
1
1
4
Arundhati Reddy 33/0(4)
14.6
.
Length ball around off, pushed back to the bowler. Australia need 42 runs in 30 balls to win the match.
14.5
1
Shortish and around off, Gardner punches it to deep point for a single.
14.4
2
NOT OUT! Excellent running between the wickets. Length ball around off, Gardner tucks it towards deep square leg and calls for two straightaway. The fielder fires the throw at the keeper's end who collects the ball and whips the bails off. The square leg umpire refers it upstairs.
Run out appeal taken upstairs. Looks like Gardner has dragged the bat inside the crease in time. Yes, she has.
14.3
1
Length ball on off, forced to long off for an easy single.
14.2
1
Shortish and around off, slapped towards mid off for a quick run.
14.1
4
FOUR! Flicked off the pads. Vital boundary. Reddy bowls this fuller ball on the pads, Gardner whips it towards deep square leg. The fielder from deep mid-wicket runs to her right and tries to make a diving stop but she misses.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
1
0
0
Poonam Yadav 15/4(3)
13.6
.
Beaten! That wasn't too far away from getting an inside edge. Another tossed up ball outside off, this one turns in as Sutherland tries to defend. Just a run and a wicket.
Annabel Sutherland is the next batter in.
13.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust and once again it is Poonam Yadav who is running through this Australian batting order. Another ball which is slower through the air and just outside off, Jonassen looks to pull but the ball takes a thin under edge and goes behind. Bhatia behind the wickets makes no mistake this time. The Indians are delighted and the Australians are bleeding here.
13.4
.
Loopy ball on middle, Jonassen comes down the track and looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and hits the pads.
13.3
1
Flatter and outside off, this time Gardner forces it to sweeper cover for a single.
13.2
.
Another slower one. It is in the line of the stumps. Gardner does well to get his bat down in time to force it towards covers again.
13.1
.
Slower through the air outside off, Gardner waits for it and then pushes it towards covers.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Arundhati Reddy 24/0(3)
12.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Gardner flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
12.5
1
On a length on off, Jonassen punches it towards long off for a single.
12.4
1
On a good length on middle, Gardner looks to flick but gets an inside edge. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run.
12.3
1
Length delivery outside off, Jonassen punches it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.
12.2
1
On a length on off, Gardner punches it towards point for a single.
12.1
.
Full delivery on off, Gardner drives it to covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0W
1
4
Poonam Yadav 14/3(2)
11.6
.
Floated and around off, Jonassen comes forward and keeps it out. End of an excellent over from Poonam. 5 runs and 2 wickets off it. Could've easily been three there but not to be.
11.5
.
Dropped! Oh dear, Bhatia drops a sitter! No hat-trick for Poonam Yadav and she really deserved it. That was a straightforward chance there as Poonam deceives another batter with the flight on the ball. She lands this one just outside off, Jonassen is drawn forward. The ball takes the outside edge and goes behind. Bhatia moves to her left and tries to catch but fails to hang on. Skipper Kaur is there at first slip and she could've swallowed it easily. Poonam is disappointed that she didn't get the hat-trick. Will this come to bite India back?
Jess Jonassen is the new batter in. She will be facing the hat-trick ball.
11.4
W
OUT! BOWLED! Two in two and it is the mighty wicket of Perry. Poonam Yadav is on fire here! What a ball to knock over the best batter going around the world. Yadav once gives this ball a lot of air. She lands it on middle and leg, Perry comes down the track and looks to push at it but is way early in the shot. It is a googly and Perry misses and the ball goes behind to hit the leg pole. Poonam celebrates and she is on a hat-trick now.
Ellyse Perry walks in now.
11.3
W
OUT! STUMPED! Yadav strikes again and it is once again the flighted delivery that strikes gold for Poonam. Excellent bowling from her. Poonam bowls this ball just outside off, Haynes charges down the track and looks to force the ball towards the off side but the ball turns away from her. It goes low to the keeper, Bhatia, who does well to bend down and whip the bails off in a flash. India are right back in this game.
11.2
1
Shortish and around off, Gardner punches it towards extra cover for a run.
11.1
4
FOUR! Up and over! Yadav bowls a very flighted delivery but it is way outside off, Gardner skips down the track and slams it between the gap at long off and sweeper cover for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
0
Arundhati Reddy 19/0(2)
10.6
1
Short and outside off, Gardner forces it towards wide mid off for a single.
10.5
1
Landed around off on a length, Haynes eases a single down to long on.
10.4
1
Good length ball around off, Gardner forces it to wide long on and gets to the other end.
10.3
.
Length ball on off, pushed towards extra cover.
10.2
1
Another length ball around off, Haynes works it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick run.
10.1
.
Length ball around off and middle, Haynes comes down the track and keeps it out.
Arundhati Reddy is back on. 1-0-15-0 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0W
6
1
1
1
Poonam Yadav 9/1(1)
9.6
.
Shortish and around off, cut to the point fielder. 66 needed off 60 balls now.
Ashleigh Gardner is the new batter in.
9.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Fifty and gone! Brilliant from Poonam. She deceives Healy with the flight of the ball here. A tossed up ball around off, Healy comes down the track and looks to loft it but because of the slowness of the delivery, ends up chipping it back to the bowler. Poonam moves a little to her right and pouches it with ease. A huge wicket for India and two new batters will be at the crease now. Can India drag it back from here?
9.4
6
SIX! FIFTY FOR HEALY. Excellent innings from her so far. She gets there as Poonam offers her a gift. A high full toss on the pads, Healy charges down the track and sends it sailing over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. She will look to take Australia home in this run chase.
9.3
1
Another full toss for the left-hander, Haynes once again forces it to long off for a run.
9.2
1
Full and around off, Healy strokes it to long off for a single.
9.1
1
Full toss outside off, Haynes pushes it to long off for a run.
Poonam Yadav comes on to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0W
1
2
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 22/1(3)
8.6
1
On off, pushed to long on for a run.
8.5
1
Floated on middle, Healy charges down the track and lofts it over the bowler. Deepti there first tries to catch the ball but then stops and decides to collect it on the bounce. A run taken.
8.4
1
Shortish and around off, Haynes pushes it towards covers and a run is taken. She is off the mark straightaway.
Rachael Haynes walks in next.
8.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Gayakwad strikes and sends the Aussie skipper packing. Gayakwad bowls a loopy ball around off, Lanning comes down the track but the ball pitches and turns away. Bhatia collects the ball and tries to whip the bails off but she misses. However, she appeals for a caught behind. The umpire takes her time and then raises her finger. Lanning does not wait then and starts walking. Brilliant delivery from Gayakwad as she beats Lanning with the flight on the delivery. A lucky break for Bhatia though one can say as she missed an easy stumping.
8.2
1
Short one around middle, it is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run.
8.1
2
Fuller ball outside off, Healy comes down the track and lofts it over mid off. Deepti at long off fails to pick the ball clearly and that allows the batters to return for an extra run.
In over# 1
1
4
4
1
1
4
Arundhati Reddy 15/0(1)
7.6
1
Good length ball on middle and leg, pushed down to long on for a single. Potentially a game-changing over as 15 runs come off it.
7.5
4
FOUR! Consecutive boundaries and third of the over. This time Healy comes down the track and converts this one into a full toss. The ball falls just inside the fence at long on and a boundary results.
7.4
4
FOUR! Another boundary! Back of a length ball on off, Healy rocks back and cuts this one fine beating the fielder at backward point inside the circle for a boundary.
7.3
1
Another length ball on off, cut towards backward point. Gayakwad there misfields and allows the batters to take a single.
7.2
1
Length ball on off, pushed towards cover-point for one.
7.1
4
FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Reddy! A shortish ball on middle and leg, Healy rocks back and pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a boundary.
Arundhati Reddy comes on to bowl now.
In over# 1
0
1
1
2
0
0
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 16/0(2)
6.6
.
Shortish and outside off, Lanning cuts it well but Shafali Verma at point makes a diving stop to her left.
6.5
1
Full and around off, Healy comes down the track and strokes it to long on for a single.
6.4
1
NOT OUT! Healy makes her ground well in time. A floated ball outside off, Lanning looks to push it towards covers but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to short third man. The batters take off for the run. The short third man fielder fires the throw at the striker's end where the keeper whips the bails off. The Indians appeal and the third umpire has been called in. The replays roll in and show that Healy has dragged her bat in.
Run out appeal taken upstairs.
6.3
2
Full and outside off, Lanning slams it past point and bags a couple before the sweeper cover fielder can get to the ball.
6.2
.
Shortish and around off, Lanning pushes it towards point.
6.1
.
Full and around off, Lanning pushes it towards mid off.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad is back on! 1-0-12-0 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0W
1
0
1
Shikha Pandey 9/1(2)
5.6
.
Short and outside off, Healy cuts but can't beat the point fielder. End of a successful over from Pandey. Australia end the Powerplay on 33/1.
5.5
1
Full and around off, Lanning squeezes it out towards point where the point fielder fumbles and allows a run.
Skipper, Meg Lanning, walks in next.
5.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Pandey draws first blood. It is Mooney who departs. A short of a length ball outside off, Mooney looks to cut but ends up slicing it towards point where Gayakwad comfortably pouches it to break the opening stand. 101 more needed in 86 balls.
5.3
1
Good length ball on middle, Healy eases a single down to long on.
5.2
.
Fuller and around off, Healy finds the cover fielder to her drive.
5.1
1
Good length ball around off, Mooney comes down the track and whips it to long on for a run.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
1
1
Deepti Sharma 11/0(3)
4.6
.
Full and outside off, Healy drives but finds mid off. Another tight over from Deepti Sharma.
4.5
1
Flatter and around off, Mooney tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
4.4
1
Full and on middle, Healy pushes it towards long on for a single.
4.3
1
Quick run! Sharma bowls this one slower through the air and around the pads, Mooney comes down the track and looks to defend but the ball takes an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards short third man for a single.
4.2
1
Full and around off, Healy comes down the track and pushes it down to long on for a run.
4.1
1
Loopy ball on the pads, Mooney comes down the track and strokes it towards long on for a run.
In over# 1
0
4
0
2
0
0
Shikha Pandey 6/0(1)
3.6
.
Length ball on middle, forced towards mid on.
3.5
4
FOUR! Drilled down the ground! This is excellent batting from Healy. She is taking the attack to the opposition here. A length ball around off, Healy launches it over the bowler's head and the ball races away to the fence.
3.4
.
Short and outside off again, Healy cuts but finds the point fielder.
3.3
2
Good length ball just outside off, Healy goes on the back foot and slaps it past the point fielder. Before the third man fielder can come across, a couple of runs taken.
3.2
.
Length ball on middle, Healy pushes it towards mid on.
3.1
.
Good length ball just around off, Healy looks to drive but misses.
Shikha Pandey is on now!
In over# 1
1
0
0
1lb
0
0
Deepti Sharma 6/0(2)
2.6
1
Full and on middle, Healy comes down the track and strokes it to long on for a run.
2.5
.
On middle, Healy comes forward and defends it out.
2.4
.
Flatter and outside off, Healy looks to cut but gets an inside edge on the pads.
2.3
1lb
Full on the pads, Mooney looks to flick but misses again. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket and a leg bye is taken.
2.2
.
NOT OUT! Poor, poor review from the Indians. Shortish in length and down the leg side. Mooney looks to pull but misses to get hit on the pads. The Indians appeal but not out says the umpire. The fielders discuss and go for the DRS at the last moment. The Ultra Edge shows no bat. Where is it pitching? Way down the leg side. So, India waste a review.
Review time! Mooney is the batter in question. It looks like the ball has pitched outside leg and yes, the replays confirm it. Review wasted!
2.1
.
Loopy fuller ball outside off, Mooney drives it uppishly towards mid off.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
2
4
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 12/0(1)
1.6
1
Quicker one on the pads, pushed to long on for a run. Excellent over for Australia, 12 from it.
1.5
1
On the pads, Healy strokes it towards long on for a run.
1.4
.
Flatter and just outside off, Healy looks to force it on the off side but misses.
1.3
4
Up and over! Full and just around off, Healy backs away and opens up the off side field and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.
1.2
2
Full and on middle, Healy pushes it towards covers where Rodrigues makes a diving save but can't stop the run. She fires the throw at the non-striker's end. The bowler fails to collect and extra run is taken.
1.1
4
FOUR! Flicked off the pads! Shortish and on the pads of Healy, she flicks it past Shikha at square leg. She chases the ball but comes second. First boundary of the innings.
Spin from the other end too as Rajeshwari Gayakwad is into the attack. And yes, Smriti Mandhana is going into the pavilion. The Indian team will be hoping that this is a precautionary measure more than anything else and that their star batter is alright.
In over# 1
0
3
1
0
1
0
Deepti Sharma 5/0(1)
0.6
.
Down the leg side, Mooney looks to flick this one but misses and is hit on the pads. The Indian players appeal but it is clearly pitching outside leg.
0.5
3
Superb effort by Smriti Mandhana but she has hurt herself in the process. Shortish ball on off, Healy rocks back and cuts this one towards cover-point. Mandhana gives it the chase and pulls the ball back before crashing into the advertising boards. She is seen holding her left shoulder and she is clearly in pain. It is unclear whether she has saved the boundary or not. The umpire refers it upstairs and the replays show that Mandhana has saved a run for her side. She is still holding her left shoulder as she comes onto the field. Her fitness will be a cause of concern for the Indian team.
0.4
1
Shortish ball on middle, punched towards cover again. Again the fielder at cover dives but this time only a half-stop by her and a single results.
0.3
.
Floated ball on off, Mooney pushes this towards the fielder at cover who dives and does well to stop a single.
0.2
1
Bowls a quicker one on the pads, Healy tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
0.1
.
Deepti starts with a loopy ball around off, Healy comes forward and defends it out.
We are back for the run chase. The Indian players take their positions in the field. The two Aussie openers, Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, walk out to the middle too. Deepti Sharma with the ball first up. Here we go...
Right then! 133 to win for Australia. The target is not a massive one but the wicket is on the slower side. With 3 spinners in the Indian bowling attack, they will fancy their chances with the ball. Also, we have seen the teams crumble chasing similar targets and we saw that in the recently concluded tri-series involving India, Australia and England. Stay tuned to see how the run chase pans out.
Australia did not start well with the ball as teenager Shafali pummeled them early on. However, once Jonassen broke the opening stand, they made a comeback in the game. Jonassen along with Kimmince tightened the screws and didn't allow the Indians to score briskly. The duo ended up with 4 wickets between them, giving away 48 runs in 8 overs. Perry was the other bowler who got into the wickets column.
After being asked to bat, Verma and Mandhana started well with Shafali taking the charge. She was very harsh on Perry and Schutt in their first over and provided India a breezy start. But wickets in consecutive overs saw India slow down with Jonassen and Perry taking wickets. Rodrigues and Sharma then took the onus upon themselves to bail India out. They added 53 runs between them to take India towards a respectable total.
An unbeaten 49-run inning from Deepti Sharma means that India have managed to put a decent total on the board. She would've loved to find the ropes on a few occasions but it is a well-composed knock from her because when she came to bat, India were pegged back in the innings.
19.6
1
Just a single on the final ball of the over. A length ball on middle, Krishnamurthy looks to hoick it over long on but mistimes it. It lands over mid on and goes to the long on fielder for a single. INDIA FINISH WITH 132/4.
19.5
1
Full and around middle, Sharma sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.4
1
Slower one around off, Krishnamurthy looks to punch but the ball hits the bottom part and hits the body. It rolls towards the off side and the batters take off for a single. There is a direct hit at the non-striker's end but Krishnamurthy is in.
19.3
1
Another short ball outside off, Sharma pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
19.2
2
A couple now! Short and around middle, Sharma pulls it to deep mid-wicket and returns for a couple.
19.1
1
Length ball outside off, forced to long on for a single.
Delissa Kimmince to bowl the final over of the innings.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
0
1
Jess Jonassen 24/2(4)
18.6
.
Dot to end the over! Full and around off, Sharma can only push it towards cover. Just 4 from the over.
18.5
1
Full and on off, Krishnamurthy drives it to long on for a single.
18.4
1
Misfield and a run! Full and around off, Sharma comes down the track and drives but Jonassen dives to her right to make a half-stop. It goes away to her right and they take the single.
18.3
1
Full and on off, pushed towards long on for a run.
18.2
.
Floated down the leg side, Krishnamurthy looks to pull but mistimes it towards short fine leg. Deepti wants the run but Krishnamurthy shows no interest. Deepti has to quickly return as the throw comes at the non-striker's end. Deepti ducks in order to get out of the way of the throw. The throw from the fielder misses the stumps at the non-striker's end. Had the fielder hit, Deepti would have been out by a mile.
18.1
1
Full and on middle, Deepti whips it to long on for a run.
In over# 1
1
2
1
0
1
1
Megan Schutt 35/0(4)
17.6
1
Very full ball on middle, Sharma pushes it to long on for a single.
17.5
2
Full and on middle, Deepti gets down and sweeps it between deep mid-wicket and long on. Before the fielder can get to the ball, two taken.
17.4
1
Full and on middle, forced to long for a single.
17.3
.
Full and on the pads, Krishnamurthy looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. They appeal but not out says the umpire.
17.2
1
Full and on the pads, Sharma flicks it nicely but it is straight to the deep mid-wicket fielder so just a run.
17.1
1
Shortish and around middle, forced towards mid off for a single.
In over# 1
1
2nb
1
1
4
2
4
Jess Jonassen 20/2(3)
16.6
1
Just a run off the Free Hit. A full ball on middle, Veda comes down the track and looks to loft but the ball takes the inner half of her bat and goes to deep mid-wicket for a run.
16.6
2nb
Full ball on middle, Deepti flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. The TV umpire on air informs that Jonassen has overstepped so it is a NO BALL. Jess needs to re-bowl. Free Hit time.
16.5
1
Flatter and on middle, Veda strokes it to long on for a single.
16.4
1
Another fuller ball on middle, it is swept to deep square leg for a single. This time they have protection in the deep.
16.3
4
FOUR! Another boundary! Deepti is playing a very handy innings here. Jonassen bowls another full ball down the leg side, Sharma once again goes for the sweep and connects it sweetly. It races away to the deep square leg fence quickly.
16.2
2
Down the leg side again. Deepti looks to pull but the ball takes a thin inside edge and rolls towards fine leg past Healy. A couple before the short fine leg fielder can get to the ball.
16.1
4
FOUR! Swept away! Timely boundary for the Indians. Full and on middle, Deepti gets in position and sweeps it to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Veda Krishnamurthy is the new batter in. Jess Jonassen also comes back into the attack to pile on the pressure. Her figures so far, 2-0-5-2.
In over# 1
0W
1
1
1
1
1
Delissa Kimmince 17/1(3)
15.6
W
OUT! LBW! This time Rodrigues cannot be saved by the DRS as she is hit plumb in front of the stumps. Fuller ball from Kimmince, it is on middle and leg, Rodrigues tries to flick but misses. She is hit flush on the pads. The bowler appeals and the umpire raises her finger. After a chat with her partner, Rodrigues goes for the review. The replays roll in. First, Ultra Edge, it shows no bat. Ball Tracker comes in now, it is pitched in line and is hitting the middle pole. Rodrigues has to depart.
Review time! Rodrigues has been adjudged LBW but she has opted to challenge the umpire's decision. It looks plumb to the naked eye. Replays roll in and yes, she is a goner.
15.5
1
100 up for India. A full ball on middle, Sharma sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
15.4
1
On the pads, flicked towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
15.3
1
Quick run! Shortish and around off, Deepti looks to punch but the ball takes the inside edge and goes to short fine leg. They go for the run and complete it easily in the end.
15.2
1
Full and on middle, Rodrigues strokes it down to long on for a single. The single brings up the 50-run stand between the two. Very vital stand this one.
15.1
1
Kimmince starts with a slower bouncer on middle, Deepti pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
Delissa Kimmince is back into the attack. 12 runs off her 2 overs but no wickets yet.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Ashleigh Gardner 19/0(3)
14.6
1
Another easy single. Full and outside off, Deepti pushes it towards the off side for a single.
14.5
1
Fuller and on middle, Rodrigues comes forward and works it towards deep mid-wicket for an easy run.
14.4
1
Loopy ball around off, pushed towards covers for a run.
14.3
1
On middle, flicked towards long on for a single.
14.2
1
Full and on middle, Deepti pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and takes a run. There is a fumble in the deep and she thinks for an extra run. However, Rodrigues says no so Deepti has to return.
14.1
1
Full ball on middle, Rodrigues strokes it to long on for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1wd
1
1
Megan Schutt 29/0(3)
13.6
1
This time on the pads of Rodrigues, she works this one towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
13.5
1
On the pads of Deepti, she works this one towards square leg and takes a single.
13.4
1
Good length ball on middle and leg, pushed down towards long on for a single.
13.3
1
On a good length around off, Sharma punches this one off the back foot towards cover for a single.
13.3
1wd
Wide! Stumping opportunity missed! Deepti Sharma looks to come down the track but Schutt spots it and pushes the ball down the leg side. Sharma misses her flick and the ball goes towards the keeper. Healy fails to collect the ball though and Deepti survives. A lucky break for the Indian batter. Can she capitalise?
13.2
1
Good length ball on middle and off, pushed down to long on for one.
13.1
1
Schutt bowls one on the pads, worked towards the leg side for a single.
Megan Schutt is back into the attack. 2-0-22-0 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Ashleigh Gardner 13/0(2)
12.6
1
On the pads of Deepti now, she flicks this one towards square leg and takes a single to keep strike for the next over.
12.5
1
On the pads, worked towards the leg side. One run added to the total.
12.4
1
Shortish delivery on off this time, Deepti rocks back and punches this one towards cover for a single.
12.3
1
Floated delivery on the off pole line, Rodrigues smashes this back towards the bowler. It hits her and goes behind and that allows the batters to steal a single.
12.2
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Deepti pushes this one towards cover and bags a run.
12.1
1
Floated on middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
2
1
1
0
0
1
1wd
Delissa Kimmince 12/0(2)
11.6
2
Short and around off, Deepti pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and scampers back for the second. The fielder from the deep fires the throw at the non-striker's end but Rodrigues makes her ground with a dive.
11.5
1
Full and on middle, Rodrigues eases a single down to long on.
11.4
1
Floated around off, Sharma pushes it towards point where the fielder fumbles and allows a run.
11.3
.
Shortish and on middle, Sharma pulls but finds mid-wicket.
11.2
.
Landed on middle, pushed towards covers by Deepti.
11.1
1
Fuller and on middle, Rodrigues pushes it towards long on for a run.
11.1
1wd
WIDE! Kimmince bowls this one down the leg side. Rodrigues tries to flick but misses.
In over# 1
1
0
1
4
0
1
Ashleigh Gardner 7/0(1)
10.6
1
On the pads of Rodrigues, she flicks this one towards square leg and takes a single to retain strike for the next over.
10.5
.
Full ball on middle, swept towards the leg side but straight to the fielder.
10.4
1
Full ball on middle and off, pushed down to mid on for a single.
10.3
4
FOUR! Good effort in the deep but still a boundary. Good length ball on middle and leg, Sharma goes down on one knee and plays the sweep shot. The ball races towards the mid-wicket region. Haynes from square leg runs across to her right and dives but the ball is half-stopped and sneaks underneath her. It just about touches the fence and a boundary results.
10.2
.
Down the leg side, Deepti looks to work this one towards the leg side but is hit on the pads.
10.1
1
Gardner bowls one on the pads of Rodrigues, she flicks this one towards the leg side for a single.
Ashleigh Gardner is into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
2
1
0
Delissa Kimmince 6/0(1)
9.6
1
Another one on the pads of Rodrigues, worked towards the leg side and the batters take one.
9.5
1
Full ball down the leg side for Deepti, she flicks this one towards square leg and takes one. Rodrigues wants the second but she is sent back in time.
9.4
1
Another full ball on the pads, Rodrigues goes down on one knee and paddles it behind square on the leg side. The ball goes to the deep but the batters take just one.
9.3
2
On the pads this time, Rodrigues flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a couple.
9.2
1
A bit shorter in length this time, Deepti goes back and pulls this one towards square leg for a single.
9.1
.
Fuller ball outside off to start by Kimmince, Sharma plays this one towards cover.
Delissa Kimmince to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Megan Schutt 22/0(2)
8.6
1
Around middle, tucked through mid-wicket for one more.
8.5
1
Full and around off, punched down to long on for one more.
8.4
1
Outside off, punched through the covers for another single.
8.3
1
On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for one.
8.2
1
Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a run.
8.1
1
Landed outside off, placed through cover-point for a quick single.
Megan Schutt returns. 1-0-16-0 from her so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Ellyse Perry 15/1(3)
7.6
1
Tight single. Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a quick run.
7.5
1
Down the leg side, helped towards fine leg for a single. 50 UP FOR INDIA.
7.4
.
Around off, tapped straight to point.
7.3
.
Full on middle and leg, pushed towards the off side.
7.2
.
Around middle and leg, pushed towards mid on.
7.1
.
Full and around off, flicked through mid on but short mid-wicket dives to her right and stops it.
In over# 1
1
1wd
0
0W
0
1
0
Jess Jonassen 5/2(2)
6.6
1
Full and on middle, Deepti eases it to long on for a run to get off the mark.
6.6
1wd
WIDE! This time she sprays on the pads, Sharma looks to sweep but fails to make a connection. Wided by the umpire.
6.5
.
On the pads, worked towards mid-wicket.
Deepti Sharma walks in next.
6.4
W
OUT! STUMPED! Jonassen has two and it is the mighty wicket of the Indian skipper Kaur. Australia are making a statement here. Jonassen bowls this loopy ball on middle and leg, Kaur skips down the track and looks to slog it over long on but she misses. The ball just about misses the leg pole and goes behind. Healy fails to collect but the ball hits her pads and ricochets onto the stumps. After a decent start, the Indians have been pegged back in this game.
6.3
.
On middle, Kaur blunts it onto the pitch off his back foot.
6.2
1
Floated on middle, Rodrigues chips it over the bowler for a single down to long off.
6.1
.
Jess bowls a flighted ball outside off, Rodrigues pushes it towards mid off.
In over# 1
0
2
0
1wd
0W
1
0
Ellyse Perry 13/1(2)
5.6
.
Beaten! Length ball just around off, Kaur looks to push it towards the off side but fails to put bat on ball. End of the Powerplay and India are 46/2.
5.5
2
Nicely flicked! Full and on the pads of Kaur, she flicks it towards deep mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a brace.
5.4
.
Full and on off, Kaur pushes it towards mid off.
5.4
1wd
WIDE. Full and down the leg side, Kaur misses her flick.
Harmanpreet Kaur walks in next, at number 4, replacing Shafali.
5.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Australia get their second wicket in as many overs. A short ball, around off, Shafali backs away and pulls it wide of mid on. Or so, she thinks. Because Annabel Sutherland quickly gets across to her right from mid on and takes a clean catch. Verma stands over there in disappointment. She thought she found the gap. So did we. Both the openers dismissed in quick succession then.
5.2
1
On the pads, Rodrigues tucks it towards the mid-wicket for a single.
5.1
.
NOT OUT! Going way down the leg side. Jemimah stays. A length ball down the leg side, Rodrigues looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Perry appeals and the umpire raises her finger. Jemimah opts for the review straightaway. The replays roll in and show that there is no bat. The Ball Tracker arrives and confirms why Rodrigues went for the DRS straightaway. It is going down leg so Rodrigues survives.
Jemimah Rodrigues has been given out LBW! She goes for the review straightaway. That looked to be going down the leg side. Let's see what the replays show. No bat there. Here comes the Ball Tracker, missing the stump by some distance.
Ellyse Perry is back on! 1-0-9-0 from her so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0W
1wd
Jess Jonassen 2/1(1)
4.6
1
Full and on middle, Rodrigues drives it to long on for a single to get off the mark. End of a successful over for Australia.
4.5
.
LBW appeal but it is turned down. Probably going down leg. Jonassen bowls a full ball on the pads, Rodrigues looks to sweep but fails to connect. She is hit on the pads and Jonassen puts in a loud appeal. Not out says the umpire.
4.4
.
Flatter and around off, this time Rodrigues pushes it back to the bowler.
4.3
.
On middle, Rodrigues tucks it towards mid-wicket.
4.2
.
Shortish slower ball around off, Rodrigues pushes it towards covers.
Jemimah Rodrigues walks in at no. 3.
4.1
W
OUT! LBW! Jonassen strikes and Australia get the breakthrough. She bowls a flighted ball on middle, Mandhana once again gets in position to sweep but is early in the shot. She gets hit on the pads in front of the stumps. Aussies go up in appeal and the umpire raises his finger. The Aussies celebrate.
4.1
1wd
WIDE! Jonassen starts with a one down the leg side. Smriit looks to sweep but fails to connect. Wided by the umpire.
Jess Jonassen is into the attack now.
In over# 1
4
0
4
0
4
4
Megan Schutt 16/0(1)
3.6
4
FOUR! Superb way to end the over for the Indians. A poor ball from Schutt though. She sprays on the pads and Verma helps it to the fine leg fence.
3.5
.
Beaten! Length ball outside off, Verma looks to force it towards the off side but misses.
3.4
4
FOUR! WOW! What a shot from Shafali. Class written all over it. A length ball just outside off, Verma leans into the drive and crisps it past the diving cover fielder.
3.3
.
Shortish and around off, this time Verma mistimes it towards the bowler.
3.2
4
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Schutt bowls a length ball outside off, Verma rocks back and cuts it past the diving point fielder. She finds the gap to perfection and the ball races away to the fence.
3.1
4
FOUR! Schutt gets a harsh welcome from Shafali. This is brilliant batting from her. Megan bowls a full ball outside off, Verma slams it over the mid off fielder for another boundary.
Megan Schutt to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
6
1
1
4
0
Molly Strano 15/0(2)
2.6
1
Full and on middle, Verma forces it to long on for a run. 13 from the over, a really good one for the Indians.
2.5
6
SIX! Up and over! Shafali verma is making a statement here. Strano bowls a loopy ball in the slot of the right-hander. Verma gets right under the ball and hammers it over long off for a biggie. Top, top shot from the teenager.
2.4
1
Loopy ball on middle, Smriti comes down the track and looks to loft it over mid off again but the ball hits the lower part of her bat and goes to long on for a single.
2.3
1
Full and on middle, this time Verma flicks it to long on and gets off strike.
2.2
4
FOUR! Shafali gets in the action now! She bags her first boundary. Strano bowls a full ball outside off, Verma makes room and smashes it over extra cover for a boundary.
2.1
.
Full ball on middle, Verma pushes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
4
1wd
4
0
0
0
0
Ellyse Perry 9/0(1)
1.6
4
FOUR! The extra ball becomes costly for the Aussies. Perry bowls a fuller and around off delivery for Mandhana, she gets under it and lofts it over the mid off fielder. Once it goes over, it races to the fence. 9 from the second over.
1.6
1wd
WIDE! Perry tries to stay away from the hitting zone now but ends up bowling way wide. Mandhana lets it be and is been wided by the umpire.
1.5
4
FOUR! She times this one really well and bags the first boundary of the tournament. Short and just outside off, Mandhana gets in position and slams it over mid on for a boundary.
1.4
.
Bowls it wide outside off, Mandhana chases after it fails to connect.
1.3
.
Fuller and outside off, Smriti drives it towards mid off.
1.2
.
Dropped! Strano puts down a chance. Shortish and around off, Mandhana rocks back and goes for the pull but does not time it well. It goes towards Strano at mid-wicket who dives to her left, gets both hands but fails to hold on. Can be a really costly miss.
1.1
.
Perry starts with a short ball outside off, Mandhana fails to cut as the ball hits the bottom part of her willow.
Pace from the other end as Ellyse Perry will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
0
Molly Strano 2/0(1)
0.6
.
Fuller and around off, it is squeezed towards covers. Just two from the first over.
0.5
1
Bowls this slower through the air and just around off, Mandhana waits and guides it towards short third man and calls for a quick run.
0.4
.
Quicker one on middle, this time Smriti forces it towards covers.
0.3
.
Floated ball outside off, Mandhana moves and drives it well but straight to the mid off fielder.
0.2
1
India and Verma are off the mark. A full ball on middle, Verma eases it towards long on for a quick run.
0.1
.
Strano starts with a shortish ball outside off, Verma goes back and tries to punch but the ball hits the top part and rolls towards the off side.
The Aussie players get in a huddle to get a final word of advice from skipper Meg Lanning before they take their positions on the field. The two Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the teenager, walk out in the middle to open the innings. Molly Strano will start the proceedings for the Australians with the ball first up. Here we go...
Players from both the side stride out to the middle for their respective national anthems before the action.
India Women (Playing XI) - Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey, Taniya Bhatia (WK), Arundhati Reddy, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad.
Australia Women (Playing XI) - Alyssa Healy (WK), Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning (C), Ellyse Perry, Rachael Haynes, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Molly Strano, Megan Schutt.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian skipper says, that she too wanted to bowl first but tells that toss is not in their hands so they will try to play good cricket. Says that they are playing three spinners. On the support back home, the Indian skipper says that she is getting quite a lot of support from the fans back home.
Meg Lanning, the Australian skipper says, that she is not too sure about the conditions. States that weather is one of the reasons for them opting to field. Says that she is really excited for the tournament. Tells that Molly Strano is in the playing XI.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in favor of Australia. THEY WILL BOWL FIRST.
Hello and welcome to our coverage of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The hosts, the reigning champions, Australia are taking on India in the tournament opener. Both the sides are termed favourites to win the championship. The first game is always the one where both the sides are normally nervous as they try to pick their best possible XI for the showpiece event. Let's see what teams both the side field in this one. Australians were thumped a blow as Tayla Vlaeminck got ruled out of the tournament due to an injury and Molly Strano has replaced her in the squad. It will be interesting to see if the Aussies bring her in the playing XI straightaway. Both the sides faced off in the recently concluded tri-series final where Australia edged India over. However, this is a World Cup game and the nerves will be different altogether here. Let's hope we get an exciting first game of this T20 World Cup.