• India men's cricket team have clinched a gold medal at the Asian Games 2023.

  • This was Indian men's debut appearance in cricket at the Asian Games.

Asian Games 2023: India clinch gold medal after rain abandons their final against Afghanistan
Team India (Image Source: Twitter)

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In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the India men’s cricket team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, secured the gold medal at the Asian Games 2023.

In a rain-affected final at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou against Afghanistan, India won the toss and chose to bowl first. Their bowlers performed exceptionally well, reducing Afghanistan to a precarious 52/5. Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Ravi Bishnoi each claimed one wicket, while Noor Ali Zadran was run out.

Indian men’s cricket team triumphs in Asian Games

However, Afghanistan’s Shahidullah Kamal (49*) and skipper Gulbadin Naib (27* off 24) orchestrated a resilient recovery, adding 60 runs for the sixth wicket before inclement weather interrupted play. When the match was halted due to excessive rain, Afghanistan was at 112/5 in 18.2 overs and could not resume. India emerged victorious, securing the gold medal based on their higher seeding. Afghanistan settled for silver and Bangladesh secured the bronze.

Notably, this was India’s debut appearance in cricket at the Asian Games, having opted to skip the sport in the previous two editions (2010 and 2014). Meanwhile, Afghanistan earned their third consecutive silver medal in men’s cricket at the Asian Games.

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023: Here’s why Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana not playing today’s game against South Africa

Indian women’s cricket team shined as well

In Hangzhou, the Indian women’s cricket team, earlier, also clinched gold in the T20 tournament by defeating Sri Lanka. This double triumph reflects the growing prowess of Indian cricket on the Asian Stage.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: Cricket icons applaud India’s remarkable achievement of 100+ medal tally at the Asian Games 2023

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CATEGORY: Asian Games India T20

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