Asian Games 2023: Ruturaj Gaikwad's Team India Wins Gold Despite Rain-Delayed Final | Explained

The Indian men's cricket team won gold in their first appearance at the Asian Games after their final match against Afghanistan was called off due to rain. On Saturday, the team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad was declared the winner based on their higher seeding in the continental tournament.

When persistent rain intervened at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field, Afghanistan had reached 112 for 5 in 18.2 overs. Unfortunately, the game was never resumed from that point forward. Afghanistan's innings got off to a rocky start, with three wickets falling in the first four overs, including Zubaid Akbari (5), Mohammad Shahzad (4), and Noor Ali Zadran (1).

Shivam Dube (1-0-4-1) struck first for India, dismissing Akbari with a rising delivery. Arshdeep Singh (3-0-17-1) bowled a delivery that caught Shahzad behind. Zadran was run out after Jitesh Sharma dislodged the stumps after a Ravi Bishnoi throw from deep square-leg. Shahidullah then contributed significantly to Afghanistan's innings revival, scoring an unbeaten 49 off 43 balls.

When Afghanistan's skipper Gulbadin Naib entered the crease, he contributed to a valuable 60-run partnership with Shahidullah, adding some respectability to Afghanistan's total. However, their progress was halted due to inclement weather.

However, because the rain continued and the match could not be resumed, the match referee, Graeme Labrooy of Sri Lanka, decided to abandon the game. As a result of their superior seeding in the competition, India won their first-ever gold medal in cricket at the Asian Games.

Afghanistan 112/5 in 18.2 overs vs India (Shahidullah 49 not out). (Match canceled)