Asian Games 2023: Why did India qualify for semifinal after IND-W vs MAS-W quarterfinal was abandoned?

IND-W vs MAS-W: The game between India and Malaysia was called off due to inclement weather and India sealed its passage into the semifinals.

FILE PHOTO: India’s Smriti Mandhana in action during the second Women’s T20I cricket match between India and Australia at D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI/The Hindu

India women’s team’s qualified for the semifinals of the Asian Games 2023 after its quarterfinal clash againt Malaysia women on Thursday was washed off due to rain.

India advanced to the semifinals by virtue of a higher seeding in the tournament. Malaysia played in the opening round against Hong Kong meanwhile India, being the higher seed, started its campaign on Thursday.

HIGHLIGHTS | India vs Malaysia QF Asian Games 2023

India is currently ranked fourth in the ICC women’s T20I rankings while Malaysia sits at the 27th spot.

Malaysia could face just two deliveries in its run chase before the rain halted proceedings for the second time on the day. Malaysia needs 177 runs to win the contest.

Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma got off the blocks in style and scored runs at nearly 10 runs per over. Shafali capitalised on a reprieve and struck a 39-ball 67. She was supported by Jemimah Rodrigues who ended the innings unbeaten on 47.

Richa Ghosh provided the final fireworks for India ensuring the side ends its quota of 15 overs at 173 for the loss of two wickets.