India Women record their fastest-ever T20I innings on Asian Games debut

Indian women's cricket team is currently playing their first game of the Asian Games at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou. They have managed to score a massive total of 173 runs in just 15 overs. Indian batters had a fantastic day against an ordinary Malaysian bowling attack, and they were also helped by some poor fielding from the opposition.

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana started the innings with a quickfire 57-run partnership. Unfortunately, Mandhana got out soon after, but Verma continued her impressive form and scored 67 runs off just 39 balls.

Jemimah Rodrigues also played well, contributing 47 runs to the team's total. The innings ended on a high note with a blistering cameo from Richa Ghosh, who scored 21 runs off just seven balls. Both the batters remained unbeaten. There was a rain break during the innings, which resulted in the reduction of overs to 15. 

Mandhana - 27(16).
Shafali - 67(39).
Jemmiah - 47*(29).
Richa Ghosh - 21*(7).

4,4,6,4,1,1 - What a finish by Richa Ghosh, she smashed 20 runs in last over as India post the total of 173/2 in 15 overs in Quarterfinal of Asian Games - INCREDIBLE BATTING PERFORMANCE...!!! pic.twitter.com/IYC0Gewdiz

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) September 21, 2023

The absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur has led to Smriti Mandhana taking charge as the captain of the Indian team for this game. Now, it will be intriguing to see how quickly the Indian bowlers can dismiss the Malaysian innings and secure a victory for India.

Indian Men's team are also set to take part in the event

On the other hand, the Indian men's cricket team is also preparing for their upcoming matches in the Asian Games. The men’s event will feature 13 teams competing for the top medal, with the event scheduled to begin on September 27. The bronze and gold medal matches will take place on October 7.

Cricket was not included in the Asian Games in 2018, but it has made a comeback this year, much to the delight of cricket fans. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have already secured their spots in the quarterfinals based on their ICC rankings. 

The remaining teams will compete for the remaining four spots in the quarterfinals. These teams have been divided into three groups, and only the group winners will advance to the next stage of the competition.