In the finals of the Asian Games 2023, India women beat Sri Lanka women by 19 runs. With this victory, India clinched the second gold medal in the ongoing Asian Games. Playing their first Asian Games, India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and won gold for the nation.
After winning the toss, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first. Her decision went well with the team, as opener Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues added 73 runs for the second wicket. Mandhana, in her innings, scored 46 runs off 45 balls with the help of four fours and a six. On the other hand, Jemimah, in her innings, scored 42 runs off 40 balls with the help of five boundaries.
However, after their departure, the Indian batting order collapsed and posted a below-par total of 116/7 in 20 overs. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (2), wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh (9), and all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar (2) failed to maintain the scoring rate. For Sri Lanka, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, and Inoka Ranaweera clinched two wickets each and restricted India to a below-par total.
Titas Sadhu scripted history for India
Chasing a below-par total, Sri Lankan women failed to hold nerves on the big stage and lost momentum. Young India pacer Titas Sadhu clinched three wickets within three overs and dismantled their batting line-up. Titas dismissed Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapathuthu, Anushka Sanjeevani, and Vishmi Gunaratne in her first spell.
After quick wickets, Sri Lanka batters Hasini Parera and Nilakshi de Silva tried to change the momentum. They added 36 runs for the fourth wicket and troubled the Indian bowlers. Hasini, in her inning, scored 25 runs off 22 balls with the help of four fours and a six. Meanwhile, Nilakshi scored 23 runs on 34 balls. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka fell 19 runs short of the target and had to settle for a silver medal.
Here is how fans react to India’s golden performance:
Star of the day ??
Titas Sadhu.Well played India ?? ? pic.twitter.com/0uTovqUpcF
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) September 25, 2023
— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) September 25, 2023
Well deserved.. ???? pic.twitter.com/ldFOfQ0gvf
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) September 25, 2023
History created
Congratulations team india?? ?— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) September 25, 2023
Congratulations India ??
Officially the best Asian teams (Men and Women) rankings:
1. India
2. Sri Lanka
3. Bangladesh
4. Pakistan— Telugu Digi (@TeluguDz) September 25, 2023
Abhi bohot mehnat karni padegi hamari ladkiyon ko England aur Australia jaisa talent pull banane me. WPL is a great start. Future me hamari mahila team bhi utani mazboot hogi jitne Men's ki hai.
— Teri Meri Baatein (@TeriMeriBaatein) September 25, 2023
Congratulations my team in blue Kamal kar diya ladkiyo is bar…..so so so proud of u ???
— Hussain (@imhussy92) September 25, 2023
India won the Gold Medal ???#AsianGames2023 pic.twitter.com/oPZHFPfJ4Y
— Amrit Chandravanshi (@Ek_Indian07) September 25, 2023
wow ??
Ab mens team ki baari ??— Gauravgupta (@Gauravg2152) September 25, 2023