Knocked out without playing a ball: Wet outfield ends China's Asian Games Women's cricket dreams

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the China women's cricket team has been knocked out of the Asian Games without playing a single ball. Their highly anticipated quarter-final clash against Bangladesh at the Pingfeng Cricket Field was abandoned without even the toss taking place, owing to a waterlogged outfield.

Since the match was called off, Bangladesh secured a spot in the semi-finals courtesy of their superior international standing. Currently, Bangladesh sit 10th in the ICC Women's T20I rankings, whereas China occupy the 36th spot. Bangladesh are now scheduled to face the winner of the India vs Japan quarter-final in the semi-finals on 20 September.

Eight nations are competing in the women's cricket segment- India, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and China. The Indian women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, recently arrived ahead of their clash against Japan. Boasting a formidable lineup featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, the team is under the guidance of head coach Amol Muzumdar. The women's cricket final is scheduled for 22 September.