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As the Asian Games 2023 gears up for its grand commencement on September 23, cricket enthusiasts have a significant reason to celebrate. Cricket is back as a major sport at the event, and this time, it’s in the exhilarating T20 format. After its last appearance in 2014, the return of cricket to the Asian Games adds an extra layer of excitement to the sporting spectacle.
The venue for this cricketing extravaganza is Hangzhou, China, where teams from across Asia will compete for glory. The men’s cricket tournament, featuring 15 teams, is scheduled to begin on September 27, promising fierce competition and thrilling cricket moments. The pinnacle of the cricket event, the bronze and gold medal matches, is slated for October 7.
Among the notable teams, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have secured direct berths into the quarter-finals, setting the stage for thrilling cricket action reminiscent of the Asia Cup 2023. Here, we take a look at the top 5 best-ranked teams gearing up for this exciting competition.
1. Indian cricket’s young leadership at the Asian Games
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: A new captain’s debut
In a bid to infuse fresh energy into Indian cricket, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed the responsibility of captaining the team at the Asian Games. This marks his maiden leadership role in a significant international event. With seasoned players occupied with the World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are eager to explore young talents and Gaikwad’s appointment is a testament to this approach.
- IPL stars shine bright: Squad selection
The squad for the Asian Games boasts some of the brightest stars from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar and Prabhsimran Singh have earned their spots in the 15-member contingent. Their impressive performances in the IPL have earned them this opportunity to represent India on a grand stage.
- Cricketing excellence at the Asian Games
These young talents will aim to make history at the continental event, showcasing their cricketing skills. India’s goal is to secure the gold medal, and these players will play a pivotal role in achieving that objective. Their journey begins with the knockout round on October 3, and India’s Quarter Final game will take place at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou. The opponent for this crucial fixture will be determined after the completion of the group stage fixtures.
Also READ: Manish Pandey stars in Karnataka’s triumph over Asian Games-bound Team India in a warm-up game
2. Emerging cricket stars: Pakistan’s charge at the Asian Games
- Captaincy debut for Qasim Akram:
Pakistan are gearing up for the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, with a fresh perspective under the leadership of the young and talented Qasim Akram. At just 20 years old, Qasim has an impressive cricketing resume, including captaining Pakistan at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup and leading his team to victory in the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup 2023 against arch-rivals India.
- Second-string squad due to World Cup commitment:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send a second-string squad to the Asian Games, allowing their main team to focus on the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. The senior team’s involvement in the World Cup underscores the depth of talent in Pakistani cricket.
- Key players in the roster:
The Hangzhou-bound Pakistan squad features promising talents like Omair Bin Yousuf as vice-captain, along with established names such as Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Khushdil Shah, Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Qadir, all of whom have had international exposure. This blend of youth and experience forms the core of Pakistan’s challenge at the marquee event.
- Road to glory: schedule and ambitions:
Pakistan’s journey at the Asian Games commences from the quarter-final stage on October 3 and 4. The semi-finals will be held on October 6, and the competition will culminate with the bronze medal game and the final on October 7. Pakistan aims to shine on the continental stage, demonstrating their cricketing prowess and determination.
3. Sri Lanka’s cricket legacy at the Asian Games 2023
- Golden history in Asian Games cricket:
Sri Lanka enters the Asian Games cricket competition with a rich history of triumph. In the last appearance of cricket at the Asian Games in 2014, Sri Lanka clinched the gold medal in the men’s cricket event by defeating Afghanistan by a convincing margin of 68 runs. This victory underscored their prowess on the international cricketing stage.
- Sahan Arachchige to lead the charge:
The leadership of the 15-member Sri Lankan squad for this prestigious tournament has been entrusted to the talented Sahan Arachchige. Arachchige, a key member of the Asia Cup 2023 final squad, will now don the captain’s armband. His experience and leadership qualities position him as a valuable asset as Sri Lanka seeks to leave an indelible mark in the Asian Games cricket competition.
- T20 skills and emerging talents:
With the impending World Cup, Sri Lanka, like other participating nations, has opted to field a second-string side. The team boasts a reservoir of T20 specialists who have the potential to shine in the upcoming Asian tournament. In the absence of their star players, young talents will be eager to seize the opportunity to shine in Hangzhou.
- The journey begins:
Sri Lanka are set to embark on its Asian Games 2023 campaign on October 4th, where they will face the qualifier in the third quarterfinal. The tournament offers a platform for Sri Lanka’s emerging talents to showcase their skills and continue the nation’s cricketing legacy in this prestigious event.
4. Bangladesh’s cricketing history at the Asian Games 2023
- Bronze triumph in 2014:
In the 2014 Asian Games, Mashrafe Mortaza led Bangladesh to a commendable third-place finish on the points table. Their campaign featured two victories in three games, earning them a well-deserved bronze medal. The Bangladeshi side returned home with this prestigious medal, securing victory over Hong Kong in the Bronze Medal match.
- Saif Hassan to lead the charge:
Opening batter Saif Hassan has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Bangladesh side for the Asian Games 2023. The team boasts a mix of experienced campaigners like Yasir Ali and Mosaddek Hossain, adding depth to their lineup.
- The emerging talent of Tanzim Hasan Sakib:
Keep an eye on Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an exciting prospect who made a sparkling international debut against India in the Asia Cup. Sakib’s ability to swing the ball in both directions sets him apart and makes him one of the players to watch in the tournament.
- The journey begins:
Bangladesh’s journey in the multi-nation event kicks off with their participation in the quarterfinals on October 4th. As they aim to replicate their success from the past and potentially secure another medal, Bangladesh’s cricketing future looks promising under the leadership of Saif.
5. Afghanistan’s cricket charge at the Asian Games 2023
- Gulbadin Naib to lead the charge:
Afghanistan’s cricket aspirations at the global showpiece event rest in the capable hands of seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who has been entrusted with the captaincy. With a wealth of international experience, Naib’s leadership will be crucial for Afghanistan’s campaign.
- A squad of recognized talents:
The Afghanistan squad features a lineup of well-known cricketing talents who have previously represented their nation at the international level. The likes of Mohammad Shahzad, Karim Jannat, Sediqullah Atal, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Qais Ahmad and Afsar Zazai bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team.
- A glorious silver in 2014 – A quest for gold in 2023:
Cricket made its debut in the Asian Games in 2014, and Afghanistan’s spirited performance earned them the Silver medal. However, this time, the Afghan cricketing contingent aims to go one step further and clinch the coveted gold medal. Their past success serves as motivation to excel in Hangzhou.
- Challenging path to quarters:
Unlike the other four Asian teams who have secured direct entry to the quarterfinals, Afghanistan faces the initial challenge of defeating Mongolia to earn their spot in the knockout stage. This hurdle adds an exciting dimension to Afghanistan’s journey, as they strive to make their mark on the continental stage.
