Asian Games: India thrash Bangladesh by nine wickets to reach final

India secured their place in the final of the ongoing cricket tournament at the Asian Games in Hangzhou with an impressive performance against Bangladesh, winning by nine wickets on Friday. Opting to field first after winning the toss, India’s top-class spinners led by Sai Kishore wreaked havoc on the Bangladeshi batting lineup, dismantling their top order and leaving them struggling at 21/3 at the end of the powerplay.

Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, and Tilak Varma were particularly destructive, reducing Bangladesh to 40/4 in ten overs, with Pavez Hossain Emon being the top scorer at that point with 23 runs off 32 balls. Despite a few contributions from Jaker Ali (24* in 29 balls) and Rakibul Hasan (14), Bangladesh could only manage to reach 96 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing nine wickets in the process. Sai Kishore was the standout bowler for India, taking 3 wickets for 12 runs, while Washington Sundar also bowled well, picking up 2 wickets for 15 runs. Tilak Varma, Arshdeep Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with a wicket each.

In the pursuit of the 97-run target, India lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma teamed up to quickly accumulate runs for India. They powered the team to 68/1 in just six overs. In the end, India comfortably achieved the target in 9.2 overs, with Gaikwad remaining unbeaten at 40* off 26 balls and Varma scoring an explosive 55* off 26 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes.

India’s victory was celebrated with enthusiasm, with SAI Media tweeting, “Unstoppable India! Our Men’s Cricket Team has emerged victorious against Bangladesh in the Semifinals, and enters the FINAL at the #AsianGames2022! #TeamIndia’s chase for glory continues, and we are rooting for the GOLD All eyes are on the ultimate showdown!”

Having secured their spot in the final, India awaits the outcome of the match between Afghanistan and Pakistan to determine their opponent in the gold medal match, which is scheduled for October 7.

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