India Advances to Asian Games Women's Cricket Semifinals Despite Rain Washout
Inclement weather continued to disrupt cricket, this time affecting the women's cricket team's debut at the Asian Games. The India vs. Malaysia women's cricket qualifier 1 match, played in Hangzhou, was called off due to heavy rain. The match, initially scheduled for a full contest, was reduced to a 15-overs-a-side encounter after persistent rain interruptions.
When play was interrupted, India was in a commanding position at 60/1 in 5.4 overs, having been invited to bat by Malaysia. Following the rain break, India posted a formidable 173 for 2, thanks to notable contributions from Shafali Verma (67 off 39 balls), captain Smriti Mandhana (27 off 16 balls), and Jemimah Rodrigues (47 off 29 balls). Richa Ghosh's brief cameo of 21 runs off 7 balls added to India's dominance. Malaysia's prospects of even reaching the 100-run mark, let alone chasing the revised target of 177 under the DLS method, seemed improbable.
Malaysia faced only two deliveries before rain intervened once more. This time, the rain was heavier, making it impossible for the match to resume. Consequently, the match was called off.
Despite the washout, India advanced to the semi-finals of the Asian Games. According to Asian Games rules, if a cricket match is abandoned due to weather or other factors, the team with the higher seeding, determined by ICC rankings, progresses to the next round. India holds the fourth position in the latest ICC ODI rankings, while Malaysia is placed 27th. Consequently, India, being the top seed at the 19th Asian Games due to their ICC ranking, advanced to the semi-finals. If their semi-final is also affected by rain, they will again progress, this time to the final.
Malaysia's decision to field on a slow pitch did not pay off. Their sloppy fielding, characterized by several dropped catches, contributed to India's dominant batting performance. Malaysia's bowlers lacked the pace to trouble the Indian batters, and Shafali Verma's powerful hitting was a highlight of the innings. Jemimah Rodrigues also made a significant contribution with six boundaries. Shafali Verma, despite being hit on her right forearm, managed to compile a well-executed half-century. Richa Ghosh's aggressive batting in the final over pushed India past the 170-run mark.
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