The 19th edition of the Asian Games is just around the corner, set to kick off in Hangzhou, China, with a touch of historic significance. India has decided to participate with both men's and women's cricket teams in the upcoming games, marking a notable milestone in the world of sports.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a formidable 20-member squad for the women's competition, led by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
The squad features an array of cricketing stars, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh.
The women's cricket competition at the Asian Games 2023 is scheduled to take place from September 19 to September 28.
This event marks only the third time that cricket as a sport will be featured at the Asian Games, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding it.
Indian Women's Cricket Team's Debut
India's Women's Cricket Team is all set to make its inaugural appearance at the Asian Games, representing the nation on the grand stage of international sports.
The team is gearing up to make its presence felt and aims to secure a place of honour in this prestigious tournament.
The first match of the Indian team is scheduled to be held on 21st September 2023.
Competition Overview
The women's cricket competition will feature a total of 11 matches, culminating in the finals on September 25.
Remarkably, Pakistan's women's team has triumphed in both previous editions, clinching victory against Bangladesh in the finals.
The Indian women's team, with its rich cricketing heritage, is determined to make its mark and create history.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have already earned their spots in the quarter-finals based on their rankings, setting the stage for intense battles in the knockout stages.
Women's Cricket Schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the women's cricket competition at the 19th Asian Games:
1. Indonesia vs Mongolia (Group A)
Date: Tuesday, September 19
2. Hong Kong vs Malaysia (Group B)
Date: Tuesday, September 19
3. Loser of Group A vs Loser of Group B (Qualifier)
Date: Wednesday, September 20
4. India vs To Be Announced (Quarter-Final 1)
Date: Thursday, September 21
5. Pakistan vs To Be Announced (Quarter-Final 2)
Date: Thursday, September 21
6. Sri Lanka vs To Be Announced (Quarter-Final 3)
Date: Friday, September 22
7. Bangladesh vs To Be Announced (Quarter-Final 4)
Date: Friday, September 22
8. Winner of Quarter-Final 1 vs Winner of Quarter-Final 4 (Semi-Final 1)
Date: Sunday, September 24
9. Winner of Quarter-Final 2 vs Winner of Quarter-Final 3 (Semi-Final 2)
Date: Sunday, September 24
10. Loser of Semi-Final 1 vs Loser of Semi-Final 2 (3rd Rank Game)
Date: Monday, September 25
11. Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs Winner of Semi-Final 1 (Final)
Date: Monday, September 25
As the Asian Games 2023 approaches, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates India's debut in the women's competition, with the hope that it will be a memorable chapter in the nation's sporting history.
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