The Indian women’s cricket team reasserted its continental dominance by clinching a second successive gold medal at the Asian Games, thrashing familiar foes Sri Lanka by 147 runs in a lopsided final on Tuesday. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side’s gold was India’s first of the ongoing edition and was shaped by a brilliant batting performance that left Sri Lanka chasing a record target of 217. Smriti Mandhana was regal as ever in her 79 off 45 before Richa Ghosh (48 off 22) came up with a brutal assault in the death overs to fire India to 216 for three, the highest total in Asian Games history.
The Indian women’s cricket team reasserted its continental dominance by clinching a second successive gold medal at the Asian Games, thrashing familiar foes Sri Lanka by 147 runs in a lopsided final on Tuesday.
With script going as planned for the Indian women’s team, the men would also be expected to defend their title. The side made the most of the powerplay after winning the toss with Mandhana (79 off 45) and Shafali (48 off 29) firing the team to 59 for no loss in six overs. Both openers have been in sublime touch since the Asia Cup, contributing significantly to the team’s cause in the all-important final with a 99-run stand off 60 balls.
It’s so satisfying to see everyone approach every game with such a positive mindset,” Harmanpreet told the official broadcaster after the match.
“Before the tournament, we talked about staying unbeaten…playing to the high standards we set for ourselves. Just like the Asia Cup earlier this month, Sri Lanka were at the receiving end in the final, unable to compete with their familiar rivals.
