19th Asian Games: India men's cricket and women's hockey team enters into semi-final

19th Asian Games at Hangzhou: Every day, India is achieving new highs at the ongoing 19th Asian Games at Hangzhou making the country proud by clinching 53 medals, comprising 13 gold, 21 silver, and 19 bronze. 

In a thrilling showdown and remarkable display of marksmanship, Indian athletes displayed unwavering determination and resilience, diving deep into their skillset to secure the victory and the gold medals. 

Also Read: 19th Asian Games at Hangzhou: A look at India's top performing gold medalists

India men’s cricket team advances to semi-finals 

With their fierce performance, India started their Asian Games campaign with a comprehensive win against Nepal by 23 runs in the quarterfinal with the help of Yashavi Jaiswal's blistering century followed by combined bowling effort from the bowlers on Tuesday.

They advanced to the semi-final by restricting Nepal to 179/9. 

Avesh Khan took three wickets for 32 while Ravi Bishnoi picked up three scalps by conceding 24. Arshdeep Singh got two wickets and Sai Kishore picked up one wicket. 

Chasing a massive target, Nepal lost their first wicket early. Avesh Khan dimissed Aasif Sheikh in the 4th over at 10. Nepal tried to steer the innings by batting steadily, however, they could not succeed as they lost their second wicket in the 9th over. This time Sai Kishore cleaned up Kushal Bhurtel at 28.

Jaiswal from the other end was explosive, hitting the Nepal bowlers in every over. He clinched his century in the 16th over. He scored his ton in just 48 balls. However, Jaiswal’s innings came to an end after Airee bowled a full toss but Jaiswal failed to clear it as Bohara caught him.

Rinku Singh also showed his power hitting in the last over adding a few more runs as India gave a target huge target of 202/4.

Brief score: India 202/4 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 100, Rinku Singh 37, Dipendra Singh Airee 2-31) vs Afghanistan 179/9 (Dipendra Singh Airee 32, Sundeep Jora 29, Ravi Bishnoi 3-24). 

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India stormed into semi-final of the women's Hockey

In spectacular display of skill and determination, the Indian women’s hockey team etched Indian in sporting history by storming into the semi-finals after defeating Hong Kong by 13-0 in the last league match at the Hangzhou Asian Games. 

India finished their league matches unbeaten with three wins and one draw, collecting 10 points. They are at the top of the table in their Pool A. 

Vandana Katariya (2’, 16’, 48’), Deepika (4’, 52’, 54’), Monika (7’), Deep Grace Ekka (11’, 34’, 42’), Sangita Kumari (27’, 55’) and Navneet Kaur (58) scored in India’s victory against Hong Kong.  

South Korea and India started the match on an attacking note. Cho Hyejin's goal-bound attempt for the Koreans was the first opportunity of the game, but Deep Grace Ekka stopped it in the waning moments to prevent India from falling behind.

India had plenty of chances to tie the game up as well, but their forwards lacked dexterity in front of goal. South Korea was in the lead 1-0 at the end of the first period.

Both South Korea and India made a valiant effort to score the game-winning goal in the last frame, but neither team was successful. There was a 1-1 draw in the game.

This remarkable victory marks a historic moment for Indian cricket and hockey team at the 19th Asian Games and stands as a testament to the team's unwavering spirit and exceptional skill.

- With inputs from agencies

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