Vaibhav Tripathi
The Asian Games 2023 qualifier 1 match between India Women and Malaysia Women in Hangzhou was called off prematurely due to persistent rain on Thursday, September 21. Consequently, the Indian team secured a place in the semi-finals, benefiting from their higher standing in the T20I ranking.
After being asked to bat first, the Indian openers, Shafali Varma and Smriti Mandhana, exhibited aggressive stroke-play, exerting early pressure on the Malaysian bowlers. Shafali’s aggressive approach was evident as she took on the spinners, denying them any opportunity to settle. In contrast, Mandhana made batting appear effortless. Unfortunately, Malaysia’s fielding and catching were subpar, granting Shafali an early reprieve.
The opening partnership flourished, accumulating 57 runs before Mandhana’s dismissal. Rain intervened with the scoreboard reading 60 for 1 in 5.4 overs. After a brief interruption, the match was revised to a 15-over contest.
Once the game resumed, Jemimah Rodrigues kept the scoreboard ticking over. On the other hand, Shafali continued her aggressive approach, preventing the bowlers from finding their rhythm, and notched up her fifty from just 31 deliveries. Shafali and Rodrigues displayed excellent form, avoiding risky shots and elevating the run rate. Shafali was ultimately dismissed by Mas Elya after compiling a remarkable 67 off 39 deliveries, featuring five sixes and four fours.
Richa Ghosh, who contributed a quick 21 off 7 balls, joined Rodrigues at the crease and started hitting from ball one. Unfortunately, Rodrigues fell short of her half-century, finishing unbeaten on 47 off 29 balls. Richa and Rodrigues combined effectively for an unbroken 30-run partnership for the 3rd wicket, propelling the side to a formidable total of 173 for 2 in their allotted 15 overs.
Chasing a revised target of 177 in 15 overs, Malaysia commenced their innings with a single off the first delivery, but their hopes were dashed as persistent rain prevented any further play.