Asian Games 2023: India clinch gold medal after rain abandons their final against Afghanistan

[Brexiter]

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:​

India men's team too wins GOLD #AsianGames #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/bTHyAkbYTk

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 7, 2023

Ruturaj Gaikwad becomes the first Indian captain to win Gold medal in Men's cricket in Asian Games.

– Ruturaj & his team created history for pic.twitter.com/SsO4iA7Om7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 7, 2023

Gold Medal for indian cricket team in Asian games under Ruturaj Gaikwad captiancy pic.twitter.com/DmwcLbT0eB

— 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@Itzshreyas07) October 7, 2023

𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔 clinches 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃

Congratulations to #TeamIndia on winning the gold medal #OneFamily #INDvAFG #IndiaAtAG22 #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/EB7Gq2Eqlv

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 7, 2023

#𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖’𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙨𝙞𝙖! #Asiangames #INDvAFG #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/iwGPoRdsQt

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 7, 2023

Following the Women's Cricket Team's inspiring gold medal-winning performance, our Men in Blue have taken center stage at the #AsianGames, clinching the coveted GOLD medal!

Huge congratulations to each member of the team, the coaching staff, and everyone who has contributed to… pic.twitter.com/IKY6YytCjn

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 7, 2023

Well done #TeamIndia!

The @Ruutu1331-led side clinch a Gold Medal at the Asian Games! #IndiaAtAG22 | #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/UUcKNzrk0N

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 7, 2023

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

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