'Congratulations on winning India's first medal in cricket'- PM Modi, Sachin Tendulkar laud Harmanpreet Kaur-led India for bagging silver

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar have come forward and congratulated the Indian women’s team for bagging the silver medal in the women’s cricket tournament of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Sunday, August 7. It was a case of so near yet so far for the Indian eves as they suffered a heartbreaking nine-run loss against the world champions Australia in the summit clash.

Irrespective of the end result, this is India’s first-ever medal in cricket at the Commonwealth Games. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side played an outstanding brand of cricket throughout the tournament including registering a hard-fought four-run victory over hosts England in the semis. Coincidentally, both their losses in CWG came against the Aussies.

This one will always be special: PM Modi and Sachin Tendulkar congratulate Indian eves

Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, “Cricket and India are inseparable. Our Women’s cricket team played excellent cricket through the CWG and they bring home the prestigious Silver medal. Being the first ever CWG medal in cricket, this one will always be special. Best wishes to all team members for a bright future.”

Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar lauded the CWG 2022 cricket silver medalists by saying, “Well played #TeamIndia. A close game last night but our team gave it all. Congratulations on winning India’s first medal in cricket at the #CommonwealthGames2022.”

Despite losing the toss on the big day, India showed a lot of intent on the field by making good saves and taking wonderful catches which restricted Australia to a manageable total of 161/8 from their 20 overs. However, they received an immediate setback during their run chase when they lost in-form openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma in quick succession.

Jemimah Rodrigues (33) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (65) then carried out the rescue act with a 96-run stand for the third wicket and at one point India were right on track to register a famous win. Nonetheless, when these two were dismissed within a span of one over, the middle order panicked under pressure as India were bowled out for 152 with three balls to spare.