Twitter Reactions: India reach Asian Games 2023 semi-final as Nepal go down fighting

India began their campaign in the men's cricket event in the Asian Games 2023 with a 23-run win against Nepal.

By Adreej Kumar Mitra

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Ruturaj Gaikwad
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Ruturaj Gaikwad (Photo Source: Sony LIV)

India got off to a winning start in the men's cricket event in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, as they beat a gritty Nepal side by 23 runs in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, October 3.

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bat first. Yashasvi Jaiswal's blitzkrieg in the Powerplay helped India get off to a flying start. Gaikwad struggled to find his feet on what wasn't the easiest pitch to bat on. Jaiswal was the wrecker-in-chief in the 103-run opening partnership off 59 balls.

Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, and Jitesh Sharma fell in quick succession as the 'Men in Blue' were reduced to 119/3 from 103/0. However, Jaiswal went on to score his maiden T20I century off just 48 balls. He was dismissed immediately after getting to the three-figure mark but the duo of Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube, which did well in the series in Ireland, in August, formed a 52-run unbeaten partnership that turned out to be very crucial. The diminutive batter was exceptional with his strokeplay as he remained unbeaten on 37 off 15 balls.

Chasing a stiff target of 203 was always going to be tough for Nepal. However, Rohit Paudel's men, who secured thumping wins against Mongolia and Maldives to get to the quarterfinals, gave a great account of themselves by showing no signs of fear in attempting to create history. As many as seven Nepal batters managed to clear the ropes but no one managed to convert their start into a score of substance.

Dipendra Singh Airee, who has become a household name after breaking Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest T20I fifty, earlier in the tournament, was the pick of the batters as he scored a brisk 15-ball 32, studied with four sixes. The Nepal team fought till the end and eventually finished just 23 runs short of India's score. Ravi Bishnoi was India's best bowler on the day, ending with figures of 3/24 in four overs. Avesh Khan also bagged a three-for, as India booked their place in the semifinals.

Here's a look at some of the reactions from the cricket fraternity on 'X'

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Asian Games Men's Cricket 2023IndiaNepalDipendra Singh AireeRavi BishnoiYashasvi Jaiswal