Asian Games 2023: India beat Sri Lanka by 19 runs, win gold medal in women's cricket

India women's cricket team clinched the historic gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games. India beat Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field in Hangzhou, China on September 25. India, who were competing in cricket for the first time at the Asian Games, finally won a final, having previously failed in the finals of the 2017 ODI World Cup, 2020 T20 World Cup and 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

3 things you need to know

• Titas Sadhu returned with the figutes of 3/6 in her 4 overs 
• India beat Sri Lanka by 19 runs to win the gold medal 
• Harmanpreet Kaur returned to the team after serving 2-match ban

U19 winner guides India to the Asian Games glory

Titas Sadhu's spell of 3/6 in her four-over quota helped India to this win. Sadhu was the Player of the Final during India's triumph at the inaugural edition of the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup.

In a thrilling cricket gold medal final at the Asian Games 2023, India showcased their exceptional prowess by successfully defending a modest total of 116 runs against Sri Lanka, securing a historic gold medal with a 19-run victory.

The highlight of India's remarkable triumph was the superb bowling performance led by Titas Sadhu, who orchestrated a dream start for the Indian team by capturing three crucial wickets in just two overs. Her astonishing figures of 3/6 from 4 overs set the tone for the match. Sri Lanka, despite a valiant effort from Oshadi Ranasinghe, eventually finished with 97/8, falling short in their chase.

Sri Lanka's batting struggled against India's formidable bowling attack, but a 36-run partnership between Hasini Perera and Nilakshi de Silva briefly lifted their hopes. However, Rajeshwari Gayakwad's breakthrough, dismissing Perera, sealed the fate of the game in India's favour. The Indian team tightened their grip in the last five overs, displaying nerves of steel to clinch their first-ever gold medal in cricket.

Despite a batting collapse that saw India lose six wickets for just 27 runs in the final five overs, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues exhibited admirable resilience against Sri Lankan spinners, adding a crucial 73-run partnership for the second wicket. While the pitch posed challenges for batting, the Indian team showcased determination and skill, ultimately achieving a historic milestone in cricket.