Asian Games 2023: Indian Cricket Team win gold in men's cricket competition, Afghanistan settle for silver

The final match ended without a result, but India won gold medal due to their higher seeding.

India have finished a dual glorious top-seeding in cricket events at the Asian Games 2023 in China. After the women's team finished up the event with a Gold medal, Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Indian men’s team also won their historic first-ever Gold medal. The Gold medal match was abandoned after 18.2 overs in the first innings due to heavy rain and India were awarded the Gold medal due to their higher seeding in the tournament over Afghanistan. No game was possible after the 19th over in the first innings. 

India won the glorious Gold

Heavy rain persisted and umpires had to call off the game at Zhejiang University Oval in Hangzhou. Before that, the Bronze medal game between Bangladesh and Pakistan was also curtailed due to heavy rain. Indian captain Ruturaj Gaiwkad won the toss and elected to field first against Afghanistan. Indian bowlers had a wonderful beginning as they brought Afghans three down in just 3.2 overs. Arshdeeo Singh and Shivam Dube picked up one wicket each. 

Later on, Afghanistan built a decent stand for the fourth wicket as Shahidullah Kamal (49) and Afsar Zazai (15) added 37 runs in the next 6 overs. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi castled Afsar Zazai in the 10th over. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahemd dismissed Karim Janat soon after on just one run score. Captain Gulbadin Naib (27) took on the charge along with Shahidullah and added 60 runs for the 6th wicket. Afghanistan had a wonderful 6th wicket partnership. 

Afghanistan's retaliation

As Afghanistan were approaching the final over of the first innings, heavy and steady rain came up and no game was possible after that. The Indian team had a wonderful bowling performance but the experience of Gulabin Naib brought Afghanistan back in the hunt. In case of a full game, Afghanistan would have challenged the Indian batting line-up. Team India had a wonderful campaign in the Asian Games 2023 in China. 

Team India have won the Gold medal for the first time in Asian Games in cricket (Both men's and women's). Earlier cricket was played in 2010 and 2014 events but BCCI refused to send their team due to the prior commitments. The Indian contingent had a great time as they crossed the 100 mark in the medal tally overall. Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in a rain-hit game to win the Bronze medal game played earlier on Saturday. Afghanistan will be awarded the silver medal.