Harmanpreet Kaur's ban ends: India women's cricket captain available to play in Asian Games Gold Medal match

India women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur was banned by ICC for two international matches.

The Asian Games 2023 started a few days ago, and the women's cricket tournament is underway. India's women's team qualified for the semi-final after their match against Malaysia in the quarterfinal was washed out due to rain. India faced Bangladesh's women's team in the semi-final on Sunday. And India beat Bangladesh in the semi-final by 8 wickets to qualify for the final.

India's victory was led by all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar. She took a four-wicket haul to put Bangladesh under pressure. The game was played at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field. After winning the toss, Bangladesh decided to bat first, but that decision didn't go well for them. India bowled a pretty tight line, and Bangladesh were bundled out for just 51 runs in 17.5 overs.

Harmanpreet Kaur will be back in the final of the Asian Games 2023

It was a brilliant effort by the Indian bowlers. Chasing the score, India completed the task in just 8.2 overs, and with this win, they have now reached the final of the tournament, which will take place on Monday at the same venue. The second semi-final will be played between Pakistan's and Sri Lanka's women, and the winner of that game will face India in the final.

On the other hand, India have assured a medal in this tournament. If they win the final, they will win the gold, and a loss will win a silver at least. But India will be firm favorites to win the final, irrespective of the opposition. It is also because India's regular captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, will be back in the final.

Kaur was handed a two-match ban by ICC after her action against Bangladesh on the field earlier this year. That is why she was not part of the quarterfinal and semi-final games. Smriti Mandhana led the team in her absence. But now, the ban is over, and Harmanpreet Kaur will be back as the captain. Speaking of the chase, Shafali Verma (17 off 21) and Jemimah Rodrigues (20* off 15) completed the chase for India.