In the 2023 Asian Games, the Indian men’s cricket team secured a gold medal for their outstanding performance. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the final match between India and Afghanistan was canceled. India was declared the winner based on their higher ranking.
The match took place at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Stadium in Hangzhou, where India won the toss and chose to bowl. Afghanistan’s team, while batting, managed to score 112 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 18.2 overs. Unfortunately, rain disrupted the match, and it could not proceed further.
Afghanistan had a challenging start to their innings, losing their first wicket in the second over with only 5 runs on the board. Opener Zubaid Akbari was dismissed after scoring just 5 runs. Shortly after, in the third over, Afghanistan lost another wicket as Mohammad Shahzad (4) departed. The team faced continuous setbacks, and by the fourth over, they were struggling at 1 run for the loss of 3 wickets. Jadran, who managed only 1 run, was the next to depart. Despite some resistance, Afghanistan lost their fifth wicket on the fourth ball of the 10th over when Jazai (15) was dismissed. The team then lost their sixth wicket on the final ball of the 10th over when Karim Janat (1) was dismissed.
Well done #TeamIndia! ๐ฎ๐ณ
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 7, 2023
The @Ruutu1331-led side clinch a Gold ๐ฅ Medal at the Asian Games! ๐๐#IndiaAtAG22 | #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/UUcKNzrk0N
At this point, Shahidullah Kamal and Captain Gulbadin Naib were forming a promising partnership for the sixth wicket. They had added 60* runs (45 balls) and were looking to stabilize Afghanistan’s innings when rain halted play.
During India’s bowling innings, Arshdeep Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shivam Dube all contributed with crucial wickets, and Bishnoi was particularly impressive with an economy rate of just 3 runs per over.
While rain prevented the match from reaching its conclusion, India’s performance with the ball showcased their dominance in the game. The Indian cricket team’s exceptional teamwork and solid bowling display were key factors in securing the gold medal in the 2023 Asian Games.