Indian men’s cricket team win historic gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games

With the rain gods playing a telling role in the final of the Asian Games men’s cricket competition, the Indian cricket team was awarded the gold medal after the game had to be abandoned due to incessant showers. 

The toss and match began late after early pockets of rain and although the game did begin as a 20-over contest, Afghanistan were 112/5 from 18.2 overs when the heavens cracked over yet again. 

Winning the toss, India elected to field first. The Indian bowlers were off to a fine start as Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh sent back the two openers of Afghanistan in no time whatsoever.

Noor Ali Zadran (1) was run out quickly as well, before a crucial partnership between Shahidullah (49) and Afsar Zazai (15) added 49 runs to the total after which the latter was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi.

RCB’s spin-bowling all-rounder Shahbaz Ahamad got the wicket of Karim Janat (1), before Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib held one end strong, fighting his way to a 24-ball 27*, helping his side to 112/5 before the rain came in. 

With the rain continuously bucketing down, the match had to be abandoned, and eventually, India were crowned champions courtesy of their higher seeding over Afghanistan.