You’ve beaten us in both Men’s & Women’s Cricket,’ Australia leader jokes with Jaishankar
In a lighthearted moment during a meeting between Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the former jokingly remarked, “You’ve beaten us in both Men’s and Women’s Cricket.” This comment was made in reference to the recent victories of the Indian cricket teams over their Australian counterparts. The Indian women’s cricket team had defeated Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semifinal in October, while the men’s team won the T20I series against Australia in November.
The meeting between the two ministers was a significant one, with Penny Wong revealing that Jaishankar is the minister she has met most in her current role. This highlights the strong diplomatic ties between Australia and India, with both countries engaging in frequent discussions on various matters of mutual interest. The fact that Wong has met Jaishankar more than any other minister suggests that the relationship between the two nations is a priority for Australia.
The joke about cricket, however, added a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the meeting. Cricket is a sport that is deeply loved and followed in both Australia and India, and the rivalry between the two teams is intense. By acknowledging India’s recent victories, Wong was able to break the ice and establish a connection with Jaishankar on a personal level.
The Indian women’s cricket team’s victory over Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semifinal was a significant one, as it marked a major milestone in the team’s journey. The team, led by a talented group of players, had been working hard to make a mark on the international stage, and their win over Australia was a testament to their dedication and skill. The victory was met with widespread celebration in India, with fans and supporters congratulating the team on their achievement.
Similarly, the Indian men’s cricket team’s win over Australia in the T20I series was a thrilling one, with the team displaying exceptional skill and strategy. The series was closely contested, with both teams giving it their all, but in the end, India emerged victorious. The win was a significant one for the team, as it marked a continuation of their winning streak and cemented their position as one of the top teams in the world.
The joke about cricket also highlights the importance of sports diplomacy in international relations. Sports have the power to bring people together, transcend borders, and create a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. By acknowledging the rivalry between the two teams, Wong was able to establish a connection with Jaishankar and create a positive atmosphere for their meeting.
In conclusion, the meeting between Penny Wong and S Jaishankar was a significant one, with the two ministers discussing matters of mutual interest and strengthening the diplomatic ties between their countries. The joke about cricket added a lighthearted touch to the meeting, highlighting the importance of sports diplomacy and the rivalry between the two teams. As Australia and India continue to engage with each other on various fronts, it is likely that sports will play an increasingly important role in their relationship.
The victories of the Indian cricket teams over their Australian counterparts are a testament to the skill and dedication of the players, and the joke about cricket was a fitting acknowledgement of these achievements. As the two countries continue to compete with each other on the cricket field, it is likely that the rivalry between them will only continue to grow. However, by acknowledging the importance of sports diplomacy, both countries can work towards creating a positive and respectful atmosphere for their competitions, one that celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The meeting between Wong and Jaishankar is a significant one, and the joke about cricket will likely be remembered as a lighthearted moment in their discussion. As the two countries continue to engage with each other, it is likely that sports will play an increasingly important role in their relationship, and the rivalry between the two teams will only continue to grow.
In the end, the joke about cricket was a fitting acknowledgement of the recent victories of the Indian cricket teams, and it added a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the meeting between the two ministers. As Australia and India continue to compete with each other on the cricket field, it is likely that the rivalry between them will only continue to grow, but by acknowledging the importance of sports diplomacy, both countries can work towards creating a positive and respectful atmosphere for their competitions.
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