The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Asian Games 2023 women's cricket event, following a rain-affected match at the ZJUT Cricket Field in Hangzhou, China, on September 21. The game's premature end due to inclement weather ensured India's progression to the next round, courtesy of their superior seeding.
Opting to bat first after Malaysia won the toss, India's openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, set the stage alight. However, the partnership was broken when Mandhana's mishit found Ainna Hamizah Hashim, giving Mahirah Izzati Ismail a crucial breakthrough.
The team's dynamics shifted with Harmanpreet Kaur, the usual captain, serving a two-match suspension handed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct twice. Consequently, Jemimah Rodrigues was elevated in the batting order. Mandhana will shoulder the captaincy responsibilities in Harmanpreet's absence for the upcoming matches. Fans are eagerly awaiting Harmanpreet's return, which will only materialise if India advances to the finals.
Despite the rain playing spoilsport with multiple interruptions, India managed a commendable 173 in a reduced 15-over match, thanks to the batting prowess of Shafali, Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh. Malaysia's chase was short-lived, facing only two deliveries before the rain made its final appearance, leading to the match's abandonment.
India's next challenge lies in the semi-finals, where they'll lock horns with the victors of the Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong quarterfinal clash. The triumphant team in this semi-final bout will be assured of a medal.
India squad for the Women's Cricket at Asian Games
Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Devika Vaidya, Titas Sadhu, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Minnu Mani, Kanika Ahuja, Uma Chetry (wk), Anusha Bareddy, Pooja Vastrakar.
Standby list of players: Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Saika Ishaque.
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