India’s men’s cricket team secured a spot in the final of the Asian Games with a dominant 9-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the semifinal held on Friday.
India comfortably chased down Bangladesh’s target of 97 runs in just 9.2 overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad provided an early boost to the innings after the departure of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Tilak then capitalized on Gaikwad’s dominance, crafting a brilliant 26-ball 55, with his fifty coming off just 25 balls. Skipper Gaikwad contributed an unbeaten 40 runs, guiding India to a convincing win.
India’s decision to bowl first proved effective as Bangladesh struggled to establish themselves. Pervez Hossain Emon top-scored with a painstaking 23 runs, while most of the Bangladeshi team failed to reach double digits.
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Jaker Ali’s resilient unbeaten 24* and Rakibul Hasan’s brief cameo of 14 pushed Bangladesh to a modest total of 96/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
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The Indian spinners, led by Sai Kishore (3/12) and Washington Sundar (2/15), took control of the game. The disciplined bowling effort also included contributions from Tilak Varma, Ravi Bishnoi, debutant Shahbaz Ahmed, and Arshdeep Singh, each securing a wicket.
In the gold medal match, India will face the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled for Saturday.
Match Summary:
- Bangladesh: 96/9 (Jaker Ali* 24, Parvez Hossain 23; Sai Kishore 3/12, Washington Sundar 2/15)
- India: 97/1 (Tilak Verma* 55, Ruturaj Gaikawad* 40; Ripon Mondol 1/26)
- India wins by 9 wickets.
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