India’s Thrilling Debut: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Century Guides Victory

In a dazzling debut at the Asian Games, explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a magnificent maiden T20 century, embellishing it with seven towering sixes,

BUDDY

October 3, 2023

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Author:

BUDDY

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India’s Thrilling Debut: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Century Guides Victory

In a dazzling debut at the Asian Games, explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a magnificent maiden T20 century, embellishing it with seven towering sixes,

In a dazzling debut at the Asian Games, explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a magnificent maiden T20 century, embellishing it with seven towering sixes, as India’s men commenced their campaign with a 23-run victory against a spirited Nepal side.

Dominating Performance

Match Summary:

  • ndia vs Nepal, Quarter Final 1, Asian Games Men’s T20I
  • India: 202/4 (20 overs)
  • Nepal: 179/9 (20 overs)
  • Result: India won by 23 runs
  • [Scorecard](link-to-scorecard)

Despite the absence of superstars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are preparing for the one-day World Cup, the world’s top-ranked Twenty20 team fielded a formidable second-string squad in Hangzhou.

Jaiswal’s Marvelous Century

India won the toss and chose to bat, with Jaiswal’s masterful century, crafted from just 49 balls, anchoring the innings. Late fireworks from Rinku Singh (37 not out) and Shivam Dube (25 not out) propelled India to a total of 202-4.

Nepal, known for their record-breaking 314-3 against minnows Mongolia in the qualifying rounds, could only muster 179-9 in response. Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi, claiming three wickets each, proved instrumental in India’s win.

Here is some Twitter reacted:

Captain’s Perspective

India’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad commented on the match, stating, “They are a good side, so we’re not surprised at how they came at us. It wasn’t our best day, but we still managed to get a win.”

Historic Cricket at Asian Games

Cricket has graced the Asian Games twice before, in Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014, but India had not previously participated. Bangladesh secured the men’s title in 2010, while Sri Lanka are the defending champions, with Afghanistan being the runners-up in both editions.

India, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, entered the Hangzhou Games at the quarter-final stage.

Jaiswal’s Heroics and Late Flourish

Jaiswal provided a blazing start, taking India to 103 without loss. However, a mini-collapse ensued with Gaikwad (25), Tilak Varma (two), and Jitesh Sharma (five) falling in quick succession.

At the other end, Jaiswal reached his maiden T20 international century off 48 balls, featuring seven sixes and eight fours. Soon after, he was caught on the ropes by Abinash Bohara while attempting another big hit.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ star Rinku then joined the action, smashing 37 off 15 balls in a late flurry that added 64 runs from the last five overs. Reflecting on his century, Jaiswal remarked, “Wherever you go and score a century, especially when you are representing your country, it’s a proud moment, and you get goosebumps. This is my first T20 century, and it’s pretty special.”

Nepal’s Challenge

Nepal made a historic run to the quarter-finals, scoring more than 300 in a T20 international against Mongolia, a first in men’s cricket. However, they faced a different challenge against India’s bowling unit.

While Nepal started strongly at 62-1 in the eighth over, leg-spinner Bishnoi’s introduction shifted the momentum. He dismissed captain Rohit Paudel for three and, critically, Kushal Malla, who had previously recorded the fastest-ever T20 international century against Mongolia, for 29.

Nepal found themselves in trouble at 77-4 in the 11th over, and despite efforts from Dipendra Airee (32) and Sundeep Jora (29), it was not enough to secure victory.

Last Updated: Oct 3, 2023