'History has been made': India celebrates as women's cricket team wins gold at Asian Games

On Monday, the Indian women's cricket team etched their names in the annals of history by securing a remarkable gold medal at the 19th Asian Games being held in Hangzhou, China. In a thrilling final match of the women's cricket event, India triumphed over Sri Lanka by a margin of 19 runs to claim the top accolade in this continental multi-sport competition. Despite setting a modest target of 116 runs, the Indian team displayed exceptional prowess as they managed to restrict Sri Lanka Women to a score of 97/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

3 things you need to know

• Indian cricket team won their maiden gold medal at the Asian Games
• The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side defeated Sri Lanka to win the medal
• The Indian men's team will start their campaign at the Asian Games on October 3

Also Read: WATCH | The Moment India Clinched The Gold Medal In Women's Cricket At Asian Games 2022

India win historic gold at Asian Games

It's important to note that this marked the Indian cricket team's inaugural appearance at the Asian Games. Cricket was introduced as a sporting discipline at the Asian Games back in 2010 and has been featured only twice since its inception including in 2014. Remarkably, the Indian cricket team had not participated in any of those previous editions. Netizens are lauding the Indian team for winning the gold medal at the Asian Games. 

IND-W vs SL-W Asian Games 2023 Final: As it happened

India won the toss and elected to bat first at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues were the only two batters for India who were able to cross the double-digit mark. Mandhana scored 46off 45 balls, while Rodrigues hit 42 off 40 balls. The rest of the Indian batters were dismissed for single-digit scores. India managed just 116/7 in 20 overs. 

Also Read: Asian Games 2023: India Beat Sri Lanka By 19 Runs, Win Gold Medal In Women's Cricket

Thanks to Titas Sadhu's exceptional bowling display, India restricted Sri Lanka to 97/8, thus winning by a margin of 19 runs. Sadhu picked up three wickets to her name. Rajeshwari Gayakwad took two wickets, while Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, and Devika Vaidya secured one wicket each. 

Image: SonyLIV