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The Commonwealth Games is knocking at our doors. While the world battled with all sorts of uncertainty and chaos between the last edition of this game and the 2022 edition, the coming of the Birmingham games marks a new beginning. As we hope for a more beautiful world filled with kinder people moving ahead, here are some predictions from Day 1 of the quadrennial event.

1. Ariarne Titmus to clinch gold in Women’s 200m Freestyle

Ariarne Titmus will return to the swimming pool at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with just the gold medal in mind. Not only is she the reigning Olympic champion but has proved her mettle in the Australian championships. Moreover, Titmus, has saved herself from being overcooked as she did not participate in the World Championships in Budapest which means she is completely fit and would be raring to return to the pool.

2. Australia to beat India in Women's Cricket Commonwealth Games opener

In the first-ever Women's cricket match set to be played in Commonwealth Games, Australia look like the favourites. What makes this contest interesting is that both teams are probable medal contenders but the Aussies have been the more consistent team and have defeated India in every big match including the T20 World Cup final. The head-to-head record also favours Australia so expect them to win this match.

3. India to beat Ghana in Women's Hockey match

On Day 1 of the Commonwealth Games 2022, the Indian Women's hockey team will also begin their campaign. They will play their first match against Ghana. The Indian eves look like the favourites to register a win against Ghana who are a much lower-ranked team. While India boast of a ranking in top 10, Ghana are currently number 30 in the world. The only area of concern for India has been their inability to score goals of penalty corners which if they address can help them proceed further in the competition.

4. Alex Yee vs Hayden Wilde for Commonwealth Games gold

Alex Yee vs. Hayden Wilde is perhaps the most anticipated rivalry which will be on display on the opening day of the Commonwealth Games 2022. This is the battle which is likely to decide the winner of the triathlon event at the Birmingham Games. Both of them stood at the podium at the Tokyo Olympics last year and a similar result is expected at the CWG games this year.