A part of the Commonwealth Games schedule for the first time, women’s cricket was one of the most sought after tickets in Birmingham, especially for Sunday’s final between top-ranked Australia and cricket-crazy India.
Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner said, “You just have to see how many people came out and watched every single match despite England not playing.” “It was amazing to see people just supporting women’s cricket.
“I think the best thing about this whole event was growing the sport on a world stage.”
Chasing 162, India looked to be in control at 118-2 in the middle of the 15th over, but collapsed after losing three early wickets including key players Jemima Rodrigues (33) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (65).
India’s lower batting order could not keep up with the pressure and were bowled out for 152 in the final over, with Australian Gardner 3-16 and Megan Schutt 2-27. It was another achievement for the leading Australians, who won the last two T20 World Cups in 2018 and 2020 and the 50-over World Cup earlier this year.
“I think today’s match was definitely worthy of a gold medal match,” said Jess Jonassen.
Earlier on Sunday, New Zealand won the bronze medal after beating England by eight wickets on the basis of a brilliant bowling performance.
Hayley Jensen took 3-24, while Fran Jonas and Sophie Devine took two wickets each, helping England score 110-9 in their 20 overs. New Zealand captain Devine scored an unbeaten 51 to complete the target of 111 runs in 12 overs.
“This Commonwealth Games has been an incredible experience,” said England captain Nat Sciver. “People have shown that one really likes to come to watch cricket.
“I would love for cricket to be a part of the Olympics.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly spending $3 million on lobbying efforts to bring the sport into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic programme.
With over 160,000 ticket sales, cricket was one of the best sports in sports and certainly one of the most fun, as Birmingham, one of Britain’s most diverse cities, applied to support its teams.
The future of the sport of cricket is uncertain, although women’s T20s are almost certain to be included in the schedule for 2026, when they are staged in Victoria, Australia. Australia won the gold medal, India won the silver and New Zealand became Bronze medalist.