WATCH: Shafali Verma creates history, becomes 1st Indian cricketer to bag this big milestone at Asian Games

In an exciting opener for India's women's cricket team at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, Shafali Verma showcased a masterclass in batting. Though rain played spoilsport, cutting short the highly anticipated match, Verma managed to etch her name in the annals of history. At just 19 years of age, she became the pioneer Indian to chalk up a half-century in the Asian Games. Her blistering innings comprised 67 runs from a mere 39 balls, featuring a striking array of four boundaries and five colossal sixes.

Illustrating her flair and panache, Shafali brought up her milestone with a spectacular six. On the receiving end of a full-pitched delivery from Malaysia's Winifred Duraisingam, Verma showcased her prowess, lofting the ball over the boundary line, thereby marking her half-century.

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However, the gloomy Hangzhou weather seemed intent on stealing the limelight. Following Malaysia's decision to bowl first after winning the toss, India began their innings on a promising note. Although the stand-in captain, Smriti Mandhana, was sent back to the pavilion after a brisk 27 from 16 balls, India's scorecard read an encouraging 57/1 in 5.2 overs. A rain interruption at 60/1 in 5.4 overs led to a revised match format, trimming the game to 15 overs per side.

Post the rain-induced pause, Shafali, alongside Jemimah Rodrigues, built a crucial partnership, ensuring India's ascendancy in the match. Though Shafali's fiery innings came to an end in the 13th over, Jemimah and Richa Ghosh took charge, steering India to an imposing total of 173/2 in 15 overs. Richa's quickfire 21* from just seven deliveries, accompanied by Jemimah's steady 47* off 29, placed India in a formidable position. On the bowling front for Malaysia, Mas Elysa and Mahirah Izzati Ismail managed to grab a wicket each.

Tasked with a mammoth target of 174, Malaysia opened their chase with Ainna Hamizah Hashim and Duraisingam. However, only two balls into their innings, the persistent rain returned, and play was subsequently abandoned. Despite the abrupt end, India's superior ranking paved their way to the tournament's semi-finals.

In a notable development off the field, India will be without their regular captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, in the upcoming semi-final clash. Kaur faces a two-match suspension meted out by the ICC due to her animated disagreement during an ODI against Bangladesh in July.

This rain-marred yet history-making encounter underlines the unpredictability of outdoor sports and the indomitable spirit of players like Shafali Verma, who continue to inspire even in challenging conditions.

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