Star India batter, Shafali Verma, delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 67 runs off just 39 deliveries during the Asian Games 2023 quarterfinal. This remarkable innings propelled the Indian women’s cricket team into the semi-finals, all thanks to their superior rankings. Interestingly, the quarter-final clash between India and Malaysia was marred by rain, leading to a shortened 15-over-a-side contest.
India displayed their batting prowess, amassing a commanding total of 173/2. Malaysia faced a daunting revised target of 177, set by the DLS method. However, it was an uphill battle for them to even approach the 100-run mark, considering the formidable total. Malaysia had a mere two deliveries to face before heavy rain intervened, forcing the match to be called off.
India put in a strong batting performance
The slow pitch conditions prompted Malaysia’s skipper, Winifred Duraisingam, to opt for fielding first. Unfortunately, her team’s performance in the field was marred by dropped catches. Malaysia’s bowling attack lacked the firepower to trouble the Indian batters. The lack of pace in their deliveries forced Shafali to use her footwork and meet the ball early. Mandhana, on the other hand, capitalized on full-toss deliveries, dispatching them to various parts of the ground.
Mandhana’s innings came to an end after the opening pair had already amassed 59 runs within the Powerplay. She attempted to pull a delivery from spinner Mahira Izzati Ismail but missed as the ball was bowled slightly on the fuller side. Shafali’s blistering innings featured five sixes, in addition to four boundaries. Most of her powerful strikes were directed towards the square leg and deep mid-wicket regions, with one impressive straight six that brought up her well-deserved half-century.
Jemimah Rodrigues also showcased her batting prowess, hitting six boundaries and forming an 86-run partnership for the second wicket with Shafali. However, during their partnership, Shafali suffered an injury when she was hit on her right forearm by a powerful back drive from Rodrigues, requiring immediate taping. Despite getting a reprieve in the deep off Mas Elysa’s bowling, Shafali was soon dismissed, trapped plumb in front of the wickets. In the final over of the innings, Richa Ghosh came in and unleashed a flurry of boundaries, propelling India past the 170-run mark.
Here’s how fans reacted following India’s semifinal qualification in Asian Games 2023:
Congratulations Champs ! Kill it in the Semi Finals ??
— The_Hrithikian (@Rohit_HR_Fan) September 21, 2023
Best of luck
— Mukesh Bangra (?????) (@MukeshBangra12) September 21, 2023
Hamari choriyan choro se kam hai ke? ????? ??
— DENGUE (@Den__gue) September 21, 2023
Mandana great player
— Mukesh Bangra (?????) (@MukeshBangra12) September 21, 2023
Go for Gold ???
— Gyani Khopdi (@gyaniKhopdi) September 21, 2023
True ! Proud of these Choriya pic.twitter.com/WjAZFi29z6
— Dr. Aditi (@aditisinghSA) September 21, 2023
For All Those Asking , that how they can qualify bcz game is washed Out.
They have upper seedings
— Talk Before Wicket (@TalkB4Wicket) September 21, 2023
I melt on her smile
— wholesomememe (@holesomememe) September 21, 2023
