In the first semi-final of the Asian Games 2023, India Women faced off against Bangladesh Women at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field on a Sunday. Bangladesh's captain, Nigar Sultana, won the toss and elected to bat first, but it proved to be a costly decision as her team struggled against the formidable Indian bowling attack.
The relentless Indian bowling unit, spearheaded by Pooja Vastrakar, dismissed Bangladesh for a mere 51 runs in 17.5 overs. Vastrakar astounded everyone with her exceptional spell, claiming four wickets for just 17 runs in her allocated four overs.
In addition to Vastrakar's brilliance, Titas Sadhu, Amanjot Kaur, and Devika Vaidya also contributed with a wicket each for India. Star all-rounder Deepti Sharma played a crucial role with her economical bowling, conceding only 4 runs in her 2 overs, including a maiden over. Apart from skipper Nigar Sultana's 12-run effort, none of the Bangladeshi batters managed to reach double-digit individual scores in the first innings.
India won the game with 70 balls to spare
While chasing the modest target, Team India comfortably reached 52 runs for the loss of only 2 wickets in just 8.2 overs. They secured an emphatic 8-wicket victory, booking their place in the final of the Women’s Cricket Competition at the Asian Games 2023.
Opener Shafali Varma and star middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues played pivotal roles, contributing 17 and 20 runs, respectively, ensuring India's triumph with a whopping 70 balls to spare in the second innings.
Looking ahead to the championship clash, India will face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan Women and Sri Lanka Women. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a thrilling India vs. Pakistan final in the Women’s Cricket Competition of the Asian Games 2023.
Here’s how fans reacted:
हमारी छोरियां भी छोरों से कम नहीं 🇮🇳🔥
— Mukesh मारवाड़ी (@Mukeshbaitu) September 24, 2023
One more win and Gold coming home 🥇
— Telugu Digi (@TeluguDz) September 24, 2023
Owned Kangladesh🤣
— Guri Pbks (@Guri_Pbks) September 24, 2023
Easy for queens
— Finch Academy Of Ducks (@Academyofducks) September 24, 2023
shame on those who hate women cricket
— Chitra 😴 (@chittu_chitra12) September 24, 2023
India Pakistan final loading…
— Malik Dilawar (@MalikDilawar) September 24, 2023
Again SL vs India 🇮🇳 Final loading 🔥
— Telugu Digi (@TeluguDz) September 24, 2023
The girls making India proud
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) September 24, 2023