India women’s opener Shafali Verma has been in great batting form, which was on show against Malaysia as India opened its account in the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The rain-affected match had India batting first and when Malaysia had just started their chase, the match was called off.
Malaysia won the toss and chose to field first. India had a bright start, but stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana departed for 27 runs off 16 deliveries, with India reaching 57/1 in 5.2 overs. Then rain interrupted play as India reached 60/1 in 5.4 overs. But soon, the first innings resumed and Shafali built a steady partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues.
Further rain reduced the game to 15 overs per side. Shafali Verma became the first Indian to register a half-century in the Asian Games, smacking 67 runs off 39 deliveries, packed with four fours and five sixes.
Shafali also reached the milestone in style, smacking a six on the second delivery of the 11th over.
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Jemimah Rodrigues made 47* with 6 fours, while Richa Ghosh made 21* in 7 balls with 3 fours and 1 six as India posted 173/2. In response, Malaysia's batters could only play 2 balls when the rains came again and the match was called off.
India has qualified for the semi-finals due to their high seeding and Smriti Mandhana will captain the side in the semis as well. Harmanpreet Kaur will return to captain the side in the final, if India qualifies for the same.
