The Indian cricket team’s journey at the Asian Games 2023 was nothing short of dramatic, culminating in a gold medal win due to an abandoned match against Afghanistan.
Let’s have a look into more details : Asian Games 2023
The final match against Afghanistan was marred by persistent rain, leading to its abandonment. Despite the weather’s best efforts, Afghanistan managed to put up a commendable score of 112/5 in 18.2 overs. Shahidullah Kamal played a stellar innings, contributing 49 runs off 43 balls, while Gulbadin Naib chipped in with 27 runs off 24 balls.
India was declared the gold medal winner based on their higher ranking in the tournament. This victory added to India’s gold tally at the Asian Games, with the women’s cricket team having already scripted history.
Asian Games 2023: India Clinches Gold Amidst Rain
Afghanistan faced early setbacks in the final match, losing three wickets in quick succession. Zubaid Akbari, Mohammad Shahzad, and Noor Ali Zadran were dismissed early in the innings. The partnership between Shahidullah Kamal and Afsar Zazai provided some stability for Afghanistan. Ravi Bishnoi, with his stellar bowling, played a crucial role for India.
The match was halted when Afghanistan was at 112 for 5 after 18.2 overs due to heavy rain. Groundsmen couldn’t prepare the field for a match resumption.
The final decision favored India, as they hold a higher rank in the ICC Rankings compared to Afghanistan.
India’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikawad, expressed disappointment over the rain-interrupted victory. Gaikawad believed that even a target of 140-150 was gettable for his team on this small ground. He acknowledged the pressure of being an India captain but praised his team’s performance and fearless cricket.
Some critics opined that India’s victory based on global ranking seemed as peculiar as winning on boundary count, reminiscent of a past World Cup final.
Asian Games 2023: India Clinches Gold Amidst Rain
India’s gold medal win at the Asian Games 2023 will be remembered for the dramatic circumstances that led to victory. Despite the rain interruption, the team’s spirits remained high, and they added another gold to their tally. As cricket enthusiasts, we can only hope for more thrilling matches in the future, with fewer weather-induced disruptions. Congratulations to the Indian men’s cricket team on their historic win!
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule Revealed: Dates, Fixtures, Teams, Venues, and Key Matches
