Bangladesh advances after China match abandoned at Asian Games

Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Games women's cricket tournament on Thursday after their quarterfinal match against China was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield. The decision, based on tournament regulations, ended China's campaign before they could take the field. The abandonment occurred at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, where persistent rainfall earlier in the week had left the outfield waterlogged. Under rule 16.10.2b of the Asian Games cricket playing conditions, the higher-ranked team advances in case of a washout. Bangladesh, currently ranked 10th in the ICC T20I standings, progressed over 36th-ranked China. China's coach Alan Newington expressed disappointment, stating, "We were hoping the world could see the China women play for the first time in a big tournament." The team was making their third Asian Games appearance since 2010. In another quarterfinal, Pakistan defeated Thailand in a rain-shortened 11-over match. Thailand posted 91 for 4 in their allotted overs, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai scoring 49 runs.