'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. 

What a remarkable achievement by our Women’s Cricket Team! Winning gold🥇at the Asian Games is an extraordinary feat. Continue to soar to greater heights! 🇮🇳 #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/2Jv2xLaOZ5

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 25, 2023

Congratulations to our girls on winning the #GoldMedal .
Well done on making the country proud. pic.twitter.com/B3Hn9XQrEG

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 25, 2023

Many congratulations to the Indian Women on the brilliant #GoldMedal at the Asian Games. You have made the country proud and have made a great demonstration of strength and fighting spirit. pic.twitter.com/JOyLFde9Yb

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 25, 2023

Heartiest congratulations to @BCCIWomen for creating history with India's first Gold 🥇 in Cricket at #AsianGames! A standing ovation to all the players for their exceptional achievement. Your talent and teamwork have filled the entire nation with immense pride. pic.twitter.com/sXCOWGJixi

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 25, 2023

Indian women's cricket team wins Gold at the #AsianGames with a dominant win over Sri Lanka, led by 18-year-old sensation #TitasSadhu's bowling brilliance (3 for 6). Congratulations to the team and support staff for this historic achievement! 🇮🇳 @BCCIWomen pic.twitter.com/md78olzIxS

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) September 25, 2023

History has been made by our young daughters at the #AsianGames2023 in Women’s Cricket.

Congratulations #TeamIndia for the splendid game bringing home #GoldMedal.

Well done Champions! pic.twitter.com/MgBCXcYc5m

— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) September 25, 2023

What an ecstatic moment for Indian sports ! The Indian Women's Team has clinched the GOLD MEDAL at the #AsianGames2023! Their commitment, teamwork, & talent have made the entire nation proud. Let's celebrate this incredible achievement & continue to support our champions!

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 25, 2023

Ye toh bus shuruat hai !! Well done 🇮🇳 #AsianCup2023 #GoldMedal pic.twitter.com/H8iHHGqfTa

— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) September 25, 2023

Congratulations to Indian Women's Cricket team for the historic #GoldMedal at #AsianGames 2023. Your illustrious victory will definitely inspire young players. As a team, you are a role model & motivation for other girls to pursue cricket as a career option.#IndiaAtAsianGames

— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) September 25, 2023

Congratulations, @BCCIWomen, for clinching the first-ever gold medal 🥇 in cricket for our nation! A historic feat achieved with a superb all-round performance. Well played, girls. 🇮🇳#INDvSL #IndiaAtAG22 pic.twitter.com/HJ1Rjhhz8q

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) September 25, 2023

Congratulations to the team for winning the #GoldMedal in #AsianGames2023.

Great to see gold medal in Asiad soon after the #AsiaCup. India is not only the true leader of Asian cricket, but in entire world!https://t.co/Y2VdTJTMto

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) September 25, 2023

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