Commonwealth Games: Women's cricket team lost the gold medal but made progress that will go a long way

After pushing heavyweights Australia into a corner for a second consecutive game, India once again failed to apply the finishing touches and close the match. The first time was in the historic inaugural game as women's cricket made its debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Australia were reeling at 110/7 in the 155-run chase, but Harmanpreet and Co allowed the world champions to clinch a three-wicket win with six balls to spare.

In the second game, India had their tails up at 118/2 inside 15 overs chasing a 162-run target. What followed was a batting collapse as they were shot out for 152. India lost eight wickets for just 34 runs.

The first loss didn't hurt. For India went on to win the next three matches to storm into the final. The second defeat was heart-wrenching. The historic CWG gold medal was almost within their grasp before Australia did an Australia and won another multilateral tournament to reinforce their supremacy.

She's on the verge of breaking down. I can sense it in her voice. pic.twitter.com/Jfp3TzoSWT

— Harry(c)