Indian women’s cricket team secured the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games by defeating Sri Lanka with a 19-run victory. Defending a modest total of 117 runs, India’s Titas Sadhu’s fiery bowling, coupled with precise spin deliveries from Deepti Sharma and Devika Vaidya, proved instrumental in their triumph.

The Indian women, batting first, faced an early setback when Sugandika Kumari dismissed Shafali Varma for just nine runs. However, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues played crucial roles in rebuilding the innings. Despite challenging conditions on a slow surface, they frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers. While Mandhana contributed 46 runs, Rodrigues added 42, forming a pivotal 73-run partnership. But as Inoka Ranaweera claimed Mandhana’s wicket, the Indian innings experienced a collapse, concluding at 116/7 in 20 overs. In response, Sri Lanka’s chase was hindered by Titas Sandhu, who dismantled their top order. Spinners Deepti Sharma and Devika Vaidya further curtailed the run flow, and India successfully defended their total, restricting Sri Lanka to 97/8 in 20 overs. Titas Sadhu emerged as the star bowler for India with 3/6, securing India’s first gold medal in women’s cricket at the Asian Games.