In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field, Team India, led by the dynamic Smriti Mandhana, secured their spot in the Asian Games semifinals. However, it wasn’t the typical cricket fireworks that got them there; instead, it was the persistent rain that played the decisive role.
Malaysia won the toss and chose to put India in to bat under overcast conditions. India’s innings was nothing short of remarkable, thanks to some exceptional performances by Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh.
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The rain gods, however, had other plans. After India posted an impressive total of 173/2 in their allotted 15 overs, the heavens opened up, and there was no sign of the rain relenting. With the match called off due to the relentless downpour, India advanced to the semifinals based on their higher seeding.
India qualified for the Semi-final of the Asian Games in Cricket.
– Go for the Gold…..🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/H1KhYtuP70
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 21, 2023
Shafali Verma, known for her explosive batting, was in sublime form. She opened up the floodgates with a flurry of boundaries, especially targeting the midwicket area. Shafali’s innings was a treat to watch as she raced to her fifty in just 31 deliveries, smashing two sixes and one four off Winifred Duraisingam in the 11th over. Her aggression and consistency were evident as she kept finding the boundaries effortlessly.
Jemimah Rodrigues, the right-handed batter, was equally impressive. She provided crucial support to Shafali and together, they took India past the 100-run mark in the 10th over. Their partnership of 86 runs was a testament to their skill and intent.
Malaysian bowlers found themselves under relentless assault, unable to contain the Indian duo’s onslaught. Nur Dania Syuhada was on the receiving end as Shafali and Rodrigues hammered boundaries all around the ground.
The India women's cricket team, ranked 1st in Asia, made their debut in the history of the Asian Games.
Team India won 173/2 – 1/0 against Team Malaysia in the quarterfinal of women's cricket event at the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou.#Hangzhou #AsianGames #Cricket #TeamIndia… pic.twitter.com/jVYgWQzVPh
— 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Official (@19thAGofficial) September 21, 2023
However, the breakthrough for Malaysia finally came in the form of Shafali’s wicket. Mas Elysa managed to dismiss the well-set batter, sending her back to the pavilion after a brilliant knock of 67 runs.
Enter Richa Ghosh, who provided the finishing touch to India’s innings. With a fiery cameo of 21 runs, including three boundaries and one six off Mas Elysa’s final over, she propelled India to their formidable total of 173/2.
Though the rain truncated the game, it couldn’t dampen India’s spirits. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who had a quiet start in the first over, soon found their rhythm and dealt in boundaries against Malaysia. Their aggressive play set the tone for India’s impressive total.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the semifinal clash, India’s journey in the Asian Games continues. The rain might have disrupted play, but it couldn’t wash away India’s determination and brilliance on the field.
Stay tuned for more updates as Team India aims to conquer the Asian Games and bring home the gold!
