EDICRIC | Cricket News | India Women’s Cricket Win Gold Asian Games 2023 Final vs Sri Lanka
India Women’s Cricket Win Gold Asian Games 2023 Final vs Sri Lanka
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history, the Indian women’s cricket team clinched the gold medal at the 19th Asian Games 2023, held in Hangzhou, China. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling final match, marking their maiden gold medal win in women’s cricket at the Asian Games.
India Historic Gold Medal Win
India’s journey to this historic gold medal had its share of challenges. They were absent from the competition in 2010 and 2014, making this victory all the more remarkable. The Asian Games 2023 proved to be a memorable event for India, as they secured their second gold medal of the day, with a spectacular performance in the 10m air rifle team event. The Indian women’s cricket team displayed unwavering determination and skill throughout the tournament, ultimately claiming the coveted gold.
A Challenging Pitch
The fiowdown against Sri Lanka was anything but ordinary. The Indian women faced a challenging pitch that made batting a herculean task. They managed to post a modest total of 116 for seven in their allotted 20 overs, which, given the conditions, was considered a competitive score.
Opener Shefali Verma initially struggled but was able to contribute nine runs off 15 balls. It was Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues who resurrected the innings. Mandhana’s aggressive six and a boundary in the powerplay set the stage for a middle-order resurgence. Rodrigues played a vital role, partnering with Mandhana and ensuring a steady flow of runs. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers mounted a late-game comeback, restricting India to only 27 runs in the final five overs.
Titas Sadhu Dominant Performance
With a target of 117, Sri Lanka began their innings, hoping for a breakthrough. However, young sensation Titas Sadhu took center stage. Just four days shy of her 19th birthday, Sadhu bowled a stunning spell that yielded three wickets while conceding only six runs in her four overs. She was ably supported by leg-spinner Devika Vaidya, who maintained a tight line and conceded only 15 runs in her four overs.
Though Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Deepti Sharma struggled initially, they came into their own during the latter part of the match, ensuring Sri Lanka never got too close to the target. Chamari Athapaththu’s early fireworks for Sri Lanka raised some concerns in the Indian camp, but Titas Sadhu’s double-wicket maiden over quickly restored control. Sri Lanka’s hope flickered briefly with a spirited performance from Hasini Perera, who scored 25, but once she departed, Sri Lanka’s chances dwindled.
In the end, Sri Lanka finished at 97 for eight in their 20 overs, falling short by 19 runs. India’s women’s cricket team celebrated an iconic victory, securing their first-ever gold medal at the Asian Games.
Historic Milestone and Podium Finish
This gold medal marked India’s debut participation in the Asian Games cricket competition, while Sri Lanka had previously competed once before. In the third-place play-off, Bangladesh claimed the bronze medal, defeating Pakistan.
India’s journey to the gold in women’s cricket at the Asian Games 2023 was a triumph of skill, determination, and teamwork. Their historic victory will serve as a testament to the growing prowess of women’s cricket in India and inspire future generations of players to aim for even greater heights.
