S Meghana's maiden T20I fifty and her century-stand with Shafali Verma propelled India to 181 for 4 as they beat Malaysia by 30 runs by DLS method in the rain-affected match of the Women's T20 Asia Cup, at Sylhet Cricket Stadium, Academy Ground on Monday. With their second successive win, India are second on the points table behind Pakistan, who have also won as many matches as them in the tournament so far, with only net run rate separating them.
At the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said their intention was to test the batting depth as they rested their star opener Smriti Mandhana along with allrounders Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana, and pacer Renuka Singh. Kiran Navgire was selected and given an opportunity with the bat at No.4 with Richa Ghosh also being promoted while Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues did not come out to bat in their regular positions.
With overcast conditions defending 181, Harmanpreet bowled five overs of spin in the second innings - with dark clouds hovering - and gave the sixth to Meghna Singh before rain interrupted play. Malaysia were 16 for 2, with Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad accounting for a wicket each when the match was called off due to persistent rain. The first wicket, though, was unlucky for Malaysia, as their captain Winifred Duraisingam was given out lbw by the umpire after a thick inside edge off Deepti in the first over of the innings.
After two defeats from two matches, Malaysia remain at the bottom of the table in the seven-team tournament. India will face UAE on Tuesday at the same venue.