Asian Games Cricket Final: Match Called Off, But India Secured Gold.
The men's final at the Asian Games was marred by rain, limiting the game to just 18.2 overs before it had to be called off. India, holding the higher seed, were ultimately awarded the gold medal, marking an anti-climactic conclusion to a fiercely competitive tournament.
Earlier in the afternoon, India won the toss and chose to field first. Arshdeep Singh set the tone early, replicating his performance from the semi-final by skillfully exploiting the conditions, causing the ball to move significantly both through the air and off the surface. However, it was Shivam Dube who made the initial breakthrough, inducing Zubaidi Akbari to mishit a slog to mid-on during the second over.
Arshdeep's efforts were rewarded in the following over when he cramped Mohammad Shahzad for room, leading to a caught-behind dismissal. Shahzad expressed displeasure with the decision, and upon reviewing replays, it was clear that the ball had brushed his right bicep rather than the bat or glove.
Afghanistan faced another setback in the fourth over when Noor Ali Zadran was involved in an unnecessary run-out. While attempting to complete a second run after pulling the ball to deep square leg, he fell inches short of the crease at the striker's end due to slow running.
Afsar Zazai and Shahidullah then formed a 37-run partnership for the fourth wicket, appearing poised to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs. However, Zazai fell victim to a brilliantly-disguised Ravi Bishnoi googly in the 10th over. This deceptive delivery pitched just outside off, jagged back, and dismantled the stumps, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 52-5 after 10.5 overs when Shahbaz Ahmed dismissed Karim Janat in the following over.
Afghanistan regained their composure when captain Gulbadin Naib came to the crease. His presence brought stability to their innings, and together with Shahidullah, he forged a 60-run partnership off just 45 balls. The duo rotated the strike efficiently and capitalized on loose deliveries.
Shahidullah concluded with a 43-ball 49, while Naib contributed 27 runs from 24 balls, guiding Afghanistan to a total of 112-5 before rain intervened. Bishnoi stood out as India's top bowler, conceding only 12 runs in his four overs and taking a wicket. Arshdeep, Dube, and Shahbaz also chipped in with a wicket each.