India defeated Nepal by 23 runs and sealed the semifinal seat in Asian Games 2023. Though Nepal lost, they gave India a good fight and almost snatched the game. That is why after building a score above 200 mark, India marked the win by only 23 runs. Despite early wickets fall, the Himalayan country manage to built good partnership, and maintain a good chase. But lack of experience and finisher made them out of the tournament.
In Hangzhou, India captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bat first. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Jaiswal opened the innings for india and made a quick fifty score within 4 overs. Jaiswal made his half century in just 22 balls. Gaikwad perished for 25. After that Sompal Kami dismissed Tilak Varma and Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed Jitesh Sharma. Jaiswal held up one end to complete his century. After Jaiswal’s masterful 100 from 49 balls, the 200 mark crossed due to Rinku. The KKR batter showed late fireworks with 37 not out in 15 balls. Shivam Dube made 25 not out off 19. 25 runs came in the 20th over, as Rinku Singh clubbed two sixes and clattered three fours off Abinash Bohara. India finish with a big total of 202/4 in 20 overs against Nepal.
Although India boasted a formidable bowling unit, Nepal gave a good fight. Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh (2/43) and Avesh Khan (3/32) faced difficulty. They gave 75 runs in their combined 8 overs. left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore (1/25) and Ravi Bishnoi (3/24) played played roles in controlling the middle overs. Otherwise India could face an unpleasant defeat. Nepal lost opener Aasif Sheikh early in chase of 203. Avesh Khan gave the blow. Nepal star Kushal Malla was looking dangerous. In Ravi Bishnoi’s ball Rinku got his catch near boundary. After Nepal lost 4 wickets in 10.6 overs with 77 runs on board, Dipendra Singh changed the gear. Again Ravi Bishnoi striked. Dipendra wanted to clear long on but found the fielder to be caught on 32 off 15. Then Sundeep Johra’s blistering innings comes to an end with 29 off 12 balls. After the India gave couple of blows, and Nepal finished at 179/9. India with their 23-run win have advanced to the semi-final.