CHINA: In a historic achievement for Indian women’s cricket, the national team secured their inaugural gold medal at the Asian Games by emerging victorious in an exhilarating final clash against Sri Lanka. This monumental win not only etched a remarkable chapter in the annals of Indian women’s cricket but also underscored the squad’s unyielding dedication and resolve.
Choosing to bat first after winning the coin toss, team captain Harmanpreet Kaur made the strategic decision, resulting in a total of 116-7 in their allotted 20 overs. On a challenging track, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues exhibited their prowess, amassing 46 runs off 45 balls and 42 runs off 40 balls, respectively, contributing significantly to the team’s respectable score.
In pursuit of 117 runs, the Sri Lankan team was effectively held to 97-8, with the young sensation Titas Sadhu excelling by securing three wickets during her four overs, including an impressive maiden over.
Notably, Harmanpreet Kaur, who had faced a two-match suspension following a public outburst after an ODI game against Bangladesh, was ineligible to participate in the quarter-final and semi-final matches. In her absence, Smriti Mandhana capably led the team.
This remarkable victory was India’s second gold medal of the day, following the earlier triumph of the 10m air rifle team, spearheaded by the teenage world champion Rudrankksh Patil, which secured the nation’s first gold medal at the Asian Games.
The Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s journey to the finals
The Indian women’s cricket team secured a spot in their first-ever Asian Games final with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a one-sided semi-final clash on Sunday.
Right-arm seamer Vastrakar, who was brought into the squad as a replacement for Anjali Sarvani just before departing from India, delivered a career-best performance, claiming four wickets for just 17 runs in her four overs. Bangladesh was bundled out for a mere 51 runs in 17.5 overs, marking their lowest-ever total.
The Sri Lankan team secured a victory over the reigning champions, Pakistan, who had clinched the gold medal at the 2014 Incheon Games, with a six-wicket win in the semi-finals. In the first quarter-final against Malaysia, the match had to be abandoned due to rain, resulting in India’s qualification for the semi-finals.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Shares His 10th Class Mark Sheet on Twitter
