In the grandeur of Asian Games 2023, a captivating showdown unfurled between the cricketing titans, India and Malaysia, within the realm of women’s cricket. Alas, the coveted quarter-final contest met an untimely demise, succumbing to the relentless downpour.
Notwithstanding this meteorological intervention, the indomitable Indian women’s cricket team ensemble has successfully etched its place in the highly anticipated semi-finals. This riveting match, initially scheduled for a standard quota of overs, was condensed to a mere 15-over affair due to the inclement weather.
Asian Games 2023 India vs Malaysia Highlights
The Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou provided the backdrop for this inaugural quarter-final of the Asian Games 2023 Women’s T20, pitting the subcontinent’s cricketing powerhouse, India, against the Malaysian challengers.
However, Mother Nature’s capriciousness ruled the day, leading to the premature cessation of proceedings. In the face of adversity, Team India batted first, mustering a formidable total of 173 runs, primarily bolstered by the breathtaking half-century display orchestrated by Shefali Verma (67).
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Aside from Verma’s heroics, Jemimah Rodrigues contributed an unwavering 47 not out, a testament to her prowess with the bat. This enthralling contest was curtailed to a mere 15-over skirmish due to the sporadic rain interruptions.
Smriti Mandhana’s explosive 27-run contribution at the beginning set the stage for a formidable Indian charge, with Richa Ghosh adding to the fireworks with her blazing 21 runs off just 7 deliveries. Owing to the vagaries of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (DLS), Malaysia faced a daunting target of 177 for victory.
Alas, their aspirations were dashed as only two balls into their innings, another bout of rain descended, leading to the abandonment of the match. In this unforeseen turn of events, India secured a berth in the semi-finals, courtesy of their higher ICC ranking.
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Team India in Asian Games 2023 semi-finals
The Indian women’s cricket contingent, led by the astute Smriti Mandhana, officially cemented their presence in the semi-finals of the prestigious Asian Games 2023.
In a match that was destined to be remembered for its meteorological challenges rather than its on-field feats, India’s ICC ranking ultimately secured their passage to the penultimate stage. The semi-final duel, scheduled for Sunday, September 24, awaits, with the identity of India’s adversary yet to be unveiled.
For Team India, the quest for a coveted gold medal now hangs tantalizingly close. The truncated match, spanning just 15 overs for each side, favored the aggressive Indian batsmen who unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, leaving no bowler unscathed.
Malaysia had barely embarked on their uphill quest to chase down a daunting 174-run target when the heavens opened up once more, compelling the match officials to abandon proceedings.
Notably, Team India was without the services of their esteemed captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, in this historic encounter. Filling her substantial shoes, Smriti Mandhana assumed leadership duties.
This quarter-final spectacle marked India’s triumphant return to the Asian Games cricketing arena, a lapse of nine years since their last appearance. Cricket, a sport of profound significance in India, found its way back to the Asian Games stage, and Team India seized the opportunity with gusto.
India Team:
Captain: Smriti Mandhana
Notable Players: Shefali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Kanika Ahuja, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Amanjot Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, Minu Mani, Rajeshwar Gaikwad
Malaysia Team:
Captain: Winfred Duraisingam
Notable Players: Ana Hamizah, Mas Alisa, Wan Julia (wicketkeeper), Mahirah Ijati, Ana Najwa, Wan Noor Zulaika, Noor Ariana Natsya, Alisa Ilisa, Noor Dania Suhada, Nick Noor Attila
