Harmanpreet Kaur's half-century steers India to 154/8 against Australia in CWG opening match

Smriti Mandhana (25 off 17 balls) also started well but couldn't convert that into a substantial knock.

India's Shafali Verma plays a shot during the Group-A Preliminary Round women's cricket match between India and Australia. (Photo | PTI)

BIRMINGHAM: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur struck a breezy half-century to steer India to a decent 154 for 8 against Australia in the opening Group A game of the Commonwealth Games, here on Friday.

Harmanpreet smashed 52 off 34 balls with eight fours and a six while opener Shafali Verma played an attacking knock of 48 off 33 balls.

Smriti Mandhana (25 off 17 balls) also started well but couldn't convert that into a substantial knock.

Left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen (4/22) was the pick of the Australian bowlers.

Brief Scores: India 154/8 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 52, Shafali Verma 48, Jess Jonassen 4/22) vs Australia.