Asian Games 2023: Semi-Final Games Round-up, India and Afghanistan all set for Gold Medal clash

The semi-final games of the Asian Games 2023 have been completed, and now, India and Afghanistan are all set to face each other in the finals of the tournament on October 7.

Match 1: India vs Bangladesh

In the first semi-final match of the Asian Games, the Indian men's cricket team stormed their way into the finals of the tournament, assuring themselves of at least a silver medal. Facing off against Bangladesh, the Indian squad put up a dominating performance, securing a convincing 9-wicket victory.

The match began with India's captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, winning the toss and opting to field first. The Indian bowlers came out firing all guns, with R Sai Kishore leading the charge, picking up three crucial wickets for just 12 runs. Bangladesh struggled to find the rhythm throughout the match, managing to post a modest total of 96/9.

However, India faced an early hiccup in their chase when Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been in scintillating form, fell for a duck in the very first over. But, what followed was a stunning display of batting prowess by Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The duo unleashed a barrage of boundaries, with Tilak Varma, in particular, finding his form and scoring an unbeaten 55 off just 26 balls. Their partnership of 97 runs ensured India's smooth passage to the final.

Match 2: Afghanistan vs Pakistan

In the second semi-final of the day, Afghanistan's cricket team etched their name in history by storming into the final of the Asian Games cricket competition. The Afghan side clinched a remarkable victory over arch-rivals Pakistan by four wickets in the game, setting the stage for an epic battle in the final.

The Afghan captain, Gulbadin Naib, won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision proved instrumental as Afghanistan's bowlers dominated, limiting Pakistan to a modest 115 runs in 18 overs. Fareed Ahmad spearheaded the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/15. The spin trio of Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, and Arafat Minhas also played pivotal roles in restricting Pakistan's batting lineup.

However, Afghanistan's chase wasn't without their share of challenges, as they lost their openers early on, managing just 35 runs in the first 5 overs. Noor Ali Zadran emerged as the hero of the innings, scoring a crucial 39 runs off 33 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. Yet, the game hung in the balance until the very end.

With six wickets down and the pressure mounting, Gulbadin Naib showcased nerves of steel. He tactically navigated through Pakistan's spinners and then unleashed a flurry of boundaries and three huge sixes, ensuring Afghanistan's place in the final with a triumphant win by four wickets and 13 deliveries to spare. Afghanistan will now lock horns with India in the highly anticipated Gold Medal match on October 7.

Asian Games 2023: Semi-Finals Brief Scores

Match 1: India vs Bangladesh

Bangladesh: 96/9 (Jaker Ali 24, Mohammad Parvez Hossain 23), R Sai Kishore 3/12

India: 97/1 (Tilak Varma 55, Ruturaj Gaikwad 40), Ripon Mondol 1/26

Match 2: Afghanistan vs Pakistan

Pakistan: 115 (Omair Bin Yousuf 24, Aamer Jamal 14),Fareed Malik 3/15

Afghanistan: 116-5 (Noor Ali Zadran 39 & Gulbadin Naib 26), Arafat Minhas 3/11