Asian Games 2023: Ruturaj-Tilak duo combine for 9 sixes and 6 fours while chasing 97-run target as India storm into final

Left-handed explosive batter Tilak Varma scored an unbeaten 55 runs off 26 balls with the help of two fours and six sixes against Bangladesh.

SportsTak

• Fri • 06 Oct 2023

Tilak Varma (L) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (R).

Highlights:

Gaikwad's brigade stormed into the final and assured India of another medal at the quadrennial competition.

On the back of a stupendous display with the ball and belligerent batting from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma, India defeated Bangladesh by a massive margin of nine wickets in a semi-final clash of the 2023 Asian Games on October 6 (Friday). As a result, Gaikwad's brigade stormed into the final and assured India of another medal at the quadrennial competition. The victor of the impending clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan will challenge them in the much-anticipated final.

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The Indian squad's impeccable strategy was evident right from the outset. Winning the toss and electing to field, the Men in Blue successfully stifled the Bangladesh batting lineup, limiting them to a modest score of 96/9 in the 20 overs.

Sai Kishore emerged as the star performer for India, delivering an impressive bowling spell with economical figures of 3 wickets for just 12 runs in his 4-over quota. His vital breakthroughs included top-order batsmen Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, and Shahadat Hossain Dipu. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar showcased his prowess by dismissing key players Saif Hassan and Zakir Hasan during the crucial powerplay overs.

Although Bangladesh witnessed a steady 23-run contribution from Parvez Hossain Emon, it was Rakibul Hasan's quickfire 14 off 6 deliveries that nudged the team closer to the 100-run mark.

Early in India's chase, a flicker of hope for Bangladesh was lit by Ripon Mondal's dismissal of the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, that spark was swiftly extinguished by the blistering partnership of Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Their dynamic duo stitched together a rapid 50-run partnership in just 18 balls, ensuring the match turned heavily in India's favor.

Varma's blazing innings, a 55 not-out off 26 balls, was laced with two boundaries and six towering sixes. Gaikwad complemented him perfectly, crafting a steady 40 not-out off 26 balls, inclusive of four boundaries and three sixes. The ease with which they chased down the target, with 64 balls to spare, underscores India's dominant performance and establishes them as strong contenders for the title.