Heartbreak for Afghanistan. Rain seals cricket team's fate once again
Three years ago, Afghanistan settled for silver at the Hangzhou Asian Games when rain washed out their men's cricket final against India. As they were seeded lower than India in the competition, Afghanistan finished second, behind Ruturaj Gaikwad's India.
Three years on, this time in Nagoya, Japan, Afghanistan faced yet another heartbreak. Their quarter-final against Shreyas Iyer's India was washed out due to rain, knocking them out of the tournament.
The washout meant that the Indian men's cricket team entered the Asian Games semi-final without even taking the field. The defending champions advanced to the last four by virtue of their No. 1 ranking in the ICC T20I rankings, with Afghanistan currently ranked 10th. Courtesy: PTI
India will take on the winner of the quarter-final between Nepal and Sri Lanka, which will be held here on Tuesday. If that match is abandoned, Sri Lanka, by virtue of their higher ranking, will take on India in the semi-final.
There has been consistent rain in Nagoya over the past few days, and even a curtailed match was a remote possibility on the day.
"Hopefully, in the upcoming games, we will get the opportunity to play some good cricket and show our game to the people in Japan," said India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi after the game's cancellation was announced.
The first quarter-final between Pakistan and Hong Kong was also washed out, allowing the former to move ahead on the basis of their higher ICC ranking.WHO WINS GOLD IF THE FINAL IS WASHED OUT?
In Hangzhou, India were awarded the gold medal after rain washed out the final, while Afghanistan were given silver. In case rain washes out the final this time, both finalists will be awarded the gold medal, veteran cricket journalist Anand Vasu reported, quoting an Asian Games official.WHO IS IN THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM?
India are being led by Shreyas Iyer, with VVS Laxman taking over the coaching responsibilities as regular head coach Gautam Gambhir is with the ODI team currently playing a home series against the West Indies.
The team features major stars such as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, among others. Indian team in Nagoya. (PTI Photo)
Bishnoi said the players are looking forward to the opportunity to watch other sports while they are here.
"The Asian Games are definitely a different experience from the other series and World Cups. You get to see different sports and experience them as well," Bishnoi said.
"Unfortunately, we haven't been able to do that so far because we're staying a little away... But we'll try today, as we have tomorrow off, and explore some other sports as well," he added.- Ends
