Harmanpreet Kaur's India aim for Asian Games gold repeat against Sri Lanka in Nagoya final

India eye back-to-back Asian Games gold as final against Sri Lanka looms

Nagoya: After almost three weeks at the Asian Games, the Indian women’s cricket team has had just one week and three matches to chase the title. Cricket remains relatively niche in the region, allowing players to explore the host city away from the spotlight — from Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, to strolls through Nagoya streets.

The squad has sampled local food, shopped and even found a taste of home at a Japanese-run Indian restaurant. At the Karogi Athletics Park cricket facility on the outskirts of the city, teams like Japan and Malaysia have rushed to meet India’s cricketers. For many, it’s a dream come true to meet icons like skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. The Indian diaspora has also come out in large numbers.

Amid the new experiences, focus remains on retaining gold. India hardly broke a sweat in the run-up to the final. Sri Lanka, however, can be tricky customers despite India beating them in the Asia Cup less than two weeks ago.

Repeat of Hangzhou final

The battle for gold will be a repeat of the previous edition’s final, in which India got the better of the Lankans by 19 runs in a low-scoring contest. Sri Lanka have been in top form en route to the finale, registering wins against Malaysia and Pakistan.

Skipper Chamari Athapaththu has led from the front with 146 runs from two matches, including two half-centuries. The 36-year-old is keen to make amends for the group-stage exit in the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup runners-up finish.

India cautious but confident

While the fancied Indians will settle for nothing but gold, the opposition is not being taken lightly.

"Chamari is in good form. We know that she is one of their best players, so we have plans for her. That said, we will just try to execute our own plans," opener Shafali Verma said.

There’s a prediction of rain, so both teams will also have an eye on the weather. If the match is abandoned, India, who are the top seeds, will be declared winners.