Harmanpreet's India crush Sri Lanka by record 147 runs to seal Asian Games gold

India's women's cricket team produced a history-making performance at the Korogi Sports Park on Tuesday, demolishing Sri Lanka by 147 runs — the highest margin of victory by runs in women's T20 Internationals — to clinch the Asian Games gold medal and give India its first gold of the Games.

A first gold for India's contingent

The win handed the nearly 500-strong Indian contingent a major reason to celebrate, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressing her delight that the cricket team had struck India's opening gold of the Games.

"It's a big thing for me because our aim was to take back the gold. More importantly, we wanted to see our flag fly high. We didn't think we would win the first gold. I'm sure our athletes will win many more gold medals," Harmanpreet said.

Unlike other tournaments, there is no trophy to lift at the Asian Games — but Harmanpreet was more than happy with the trade. "When we win trophies, they go to the BCCI office," she said with a laugh. "The biggest thing for us is to be part of the Games and take back a medal to frame and keep at home."

She also reflected on the value of multi-sport events: "Looking at the overall calendar and our list of achievements, as cricketers, we always wanted to be part of the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. We have always played bilateral series, the ICC World Cup and Asia Cup, but until the previous Asian Games, we didn't know what it felt like to work hard for a medal. We feel lucky that we are getting these opportunities now."

Mandhana masterclass sets up mammoth total

In a rematch of the previous edition's final, India piled up a commanding 216/3 on a 'hybrid' pitch that later aided the spinners. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a 45-ball 79, laced with five fours and seven sixes, while Shafali Verma smashed 48 off just 29 balls (3x4, 3x6).

Smriti opened her account with consecutive boundaries through point off Sugandika Kumari and then took the attack back to the left-arm spinner with back-to-back sixes. The openers cleared the ropes regularly before Chamudi Praboda broke through, Shafali's reverse sweep finding Kawya Kavindi at backward point. Smriti appeared set for a century before miscuing a slog sweep off Sugandika, and Richa Ghosh provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 49 off only 22 balls to push India past 200.

Spin quartet skittles Sri Lanka for 69

Sri Lanka's chase never got going on the turning track. Apart from skipper Chamari Athapaththu, who made 29, and Kaushini Nuthyangana (14), none of their batters reached double figures as they folded for 69 in 15.4 overs.

Deepti Sharma led India's spin quartet with 3/6, while Shafali (2/3), Shreyanka Patil (2/9) and Shree Charani (2/13) claimed two wickets apiece. When Shreyanka rattled Nuthyangana's stumps to seal the gold, the tricolour began fluttering in the team dugout before the players held it aloft in celebration.

Brief scores

India 216/3 (Mandhana 79, Ghosh 49*, Shafali 48, Praboda 1-34) beat Sri Lanka 69 (Athapaththu 29; Deepti 3-6, Shafali 2-3, Patil 2-9, Charani 2-13) by 147 runs.