Cricket Fraternity Reacts To Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s Gold Win In Asian Games 2023

In a momentous victory that will be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history, the Indian women’s cricket team triumphed over Sri Lanka Women in the finals of the Asian Games 2023, securing their maiden gold medal. This remarkable achievement comes as the second gold medal for India at the prestigious Asian Games held in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China.

Cricket Fraternity Reacts To Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s Gold Win In Asian Games 2023:

India’s Dominant Batting Display

The toss favoured India, and they decided to take the bat first. The innings started with a setback as they lost the explosive opener Shafali Verma early on. However, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues quickly assumed the responsibility of steering the innings in the right direction. Their brilliant partnership, amassing 73 runs for the second wicket, set the tone for India’s batting performance.

Smriti Mandhana, with her elegant stroke play, played a pivotal role, contributing 46 runs off 45 balls. Jemimah Rodrigues complemented her partner’s efforts with a well-compiled 42 off 40 balls. This dynamic duo’s partnership not only stabilized the innings but also put Sri Lanka on the back foot.

Yet, the final overs witnessed a slight hiccup for India, as they managed to add only 16 runs in the last four overs. Nevertheless, they concluded their innings with a total of 116/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The Sri Lankan bowling attack, spearheaded by Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, and Inoka Ranaweera, displayed their prowess by each claiming two wickets, curbing India’s run flow.

Sri Lanka’s Struggle in Response

With a modest target of 117 runs to chase, Sri Lanka Women faced an early setback. India’s Titas Sadhu, exhibiting exceptional skills, delivered a double-wicket maiden in her very first over. Her clinical spell continued as she later dismissed the Sri Lankan captain, Chamari Athapaththu, further denting Sri Lanka’s chances. At the end of five overs, Sri Lanka found themselves at a precarious 15/3.

Efforts to resurrect the Sri Lankan innings were led by Hasini Perera and Nilakshi de Silva, who formed a resilient 36-run partnership. However, the required run rate began to soar, and the pressure mounted on the Sri Lankan side. The breakthrough came in the form of Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who claimed two crucial wickets for just 20 runs, breaking the partnership and tipping the scales in India’s favour.

India’s Bowling Prowess Shines

India’s bowling unit showcased remarkable discipline and skill throughout the match, effectively stifling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. The Sri Lankan team, struggling to find their footing, could only muster 97/8 in their allotted 20 overs. India’s exceptional bowling display, combined with their dominant batting performance, resulted in a convincing 19-run victory.

Cricketers React to Historic Gold Win

The victory at the Asian Games 2023 was not just a significant achievement for the Indian women’s cricket team but also a moment of pride for the entire nation. The triumph reverberated throughout the cricketing community, eliciting reactions and congratulations from cricketers and enthusiasts alike.

Stars of the Indian cricketing fraternity, including both current and former players, took to social media to celebrate this historic win. Their messages were filled with pride and admiration for the team’s stellar performance on the grand stage of the Asian Games.