Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Asian Games: India women enter cricket semis on ranking!

Last updated on: September 21, 2023 13:08 IST

IMAGE: Jemimah Rodrigues hits out during the women's T20 cricket match against Malaysia at the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Thursday. Photograph: SAI Media/X

The India women's cricket team advanced to the semi-finals of the Asian Games after their opening match against Malaysia was called off due to rain in Hangzhou on Thursday.

India had amassed a huge 173/2 after the T20 match was reduced to 15 overs following rain. In reply, Malaysia's run chase was called off after just two balls as heavy rain washed out proceedings at Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou.

 

Despite the washout, World No 4 India advanced courtesy of their higher seeding in the tournament and will play either Bangladesh or Hong Kong for a place in the final.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to contest the other semi-final.

IMAGE: Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh. Photograph: SAI Media/X

Shafali Varma top-scored for India with a blistering knock of 67 from 39 balls, hitting five sixes and four boundaries, while Jemimah Rodrigues smashed 47 from 29 balls.

Captain Smriti Mandhana had hit 27 from 16 balls before she was caught by Ainna Hamizah Hashim off the bowling of Mahirah Izzati Ismail and Shafali was trapped leg before wicket by Mas Elysa.

IMAGE: India made it to semi-finals of virtue of their higher ranking. Photograph: SAI Media/X

Richa Ghosh played an entertaining knock of 21 from seven balls at the end, hitting three fours and a six in the final over bowled by Elysa.

India advance to the semi-finals which will be played on Sunday, September 24.