Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian women’s cricket team secured a spot in the semi-finals despite their opening match against Malaysia in Hangzhou being washed out by rain on Thursday, September 21. The rain disrupted the second innings of the match, where Malaysia was required to chase down a target of 174 runs. Unfortunately, only two balls were bowled in the second innings, and the game had to be abandoned due to the weather conditions.
The Indian team had dominated the match right from the start, having been put in to bat first after Malaysia won the toss. Despite the delayed toss due to rain, India showcased an aggressive approach. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma began with a flurry of boundaries. Malaysia’s fielding lapses further compounded their troubles. India raced to 60 runs in the powerplay but lost the wicket of Smriti Mandhana while trying to clear the boundary.
Rain disrupted play at this point, and the match was shortened to a 15-over contest per side. Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues formed a formidable partnership, accumulating 86 runs from just 47 deliveries. Shafali was particularly aggressive, smashing 5 sixes out of India’s total of 6. However, her innings came to an end in the 13th over, and India continued to pile on runs with Richa Ghosh’s explosive 21* off just 7 balls. Jemimah Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 47 off 29 deliveries but fell short of her half-century, expressing her frustration by kicking her bat.
Unfortunately, the rain returned, ending the game prematurely and preventing Malaysia from their chase, ultimately leading India to secure a spot in the semi-finals.