Rain continues to be a persistent interruption for cricket, affecting both the men’s Asia Cup and now the women’s cricket events at the Asian Games. The India vs. Malaysia women’s cricket qualifier 1 match in Hangzhou became another victim of rain as it was called off on Thursday due to persistent drizzle. This unfortunate weather condition forced the match to be reduced to a 15-overs-a-side contest after India was invited to bat and reached 60/1 at 5.4 overs.
India’s Dominant Batting Display
Despite the rain-induced interruptions, India displayed a dominant batting performance, finishing with an imposing total of 173 for 2. This remarkable score was powered by explosive innings from key players. Shafali Varma played a blazing knock, contributing 67 runs off just 39 balls.
Skipper Smriti Mandhana provided valuable support with her quickfire 27 off 16 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a significant 47 off 29 balls to the total. Richa Ghosh’s cameo of 21 runs from 7 balls added the finishing touches to India’s innings. As play resumed, it became increasingly evident that Malaysia faced an insurmountable target, particularly with the revised target set at 177 according to the DLS method. Malaysia, needing an improbable chase, only faced two deliveries before heavy rain returned, making it impossible for play to continue. Consequently, the match was called off.
India Advances Despite Washout
Despite the match being abandoned, India advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Games women’s cricket event. The rules governing the Asian Games state that if a cricket match is called off due to weather-related concerns or any other reason, the team with the higher seeding based on ICC rankings progresses to the next round. In the latest ICC ODI rankings, India’s women’s team holds the 4th position, while Malaysia is ranked 27th. As the top seed at the 19th Asian Games, India secured their spot in the semifinals due to their superior ranking.
India’s batting prowess was on full display, with Shafali Varma’s innings featuring five sixes and four boundaries, primarily directed towards the square leg and deep mid-wicket regions. Mandhana capitalized on full-toss deliveries, dispatching them to all corners of the ground. However, Mandhana was dismissed after a solid opening partnership, attempting to pull a delivery bowled slightly fuller by spinner Mahira Izzati Ismail.
Jemimah Rodrigues complemented Shafali’s performance with six boundaries, contributing significantly to the second-wicket partnership. Shafali, unfortunately, was hit on her right forearm but continued to play after receiving immediate medical attention. Richa Ghosh’s explosive performance in the 15th and final over of the innings, featuring four boundaries, propelled India’s total past the 170-run mark. Despite the weather-related setbacks, India showcased their dominance in the women’s cricket qualifier, setting their sights on a strong performance in the semifinals.
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