India will look to maintain their dominance in the continental competition when they face Sri Lanka in the gold medal clash at Korogi Athletic Park on Tuesday.
Both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams are poised to win the gold medal once again, and only a bad day in office can change the colour of the medal from gold to silver.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side enters the final after securing convincing victories over Japan and Bangladesh. A win on Tuesday would further underline India’s dominance in the region, coming days after Sri Lanka only in the Asia Cup Final earlier this month. While Sri Lanka have managed to challenge India in previous encounters, the gap between the two sides has widened considerably in recent years.
Sri Lanka will need another standout performance from captain Chamari Athapaththu if they are to challenge a formidable India in the gold medal clash. Athapaththu’s superb 50-ball 82 played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka chase down a difficult target against Pakistan, but India will pose a significantly tougher challenge.
India head into the final in excellent form, with their top order firing and Shafali Verma leading the charge. The team management has continued to experiment with the No. 3 position, with G Kamalini occupying the spot in the semifinal against Bangladesh after Bharti Fulmali was given the role against Japan. Kamalini had earlier opened alongside Shafali in the quarterfinal.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will also be eager to make her mark after an underwhelming Asia Cup campaign. A strong performance in the final would provide a timely boost for both the skipper and her side.
India’s spin attack has been particularly effective during the tournament, with Deepti Sharma leading the way and receiving strong support from Shree Charani. In the pace department, Nandani Sharma has impressed with her performances.
India vs Sri Lanka Asian Games Gold Medal Match: Squads
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav.
Sri Lanka: Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Mithali Ayodhya, Kawya Kavindi, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nimasha Meepage, Sanjana Kavindi, Anushka Sanjeewani.
When & Where Will India vs Sri Lanka Asian Games Gold Medal Match Be Telecast?
The gold medal match between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am (IST) and can be watched on the SonyLIV app and Sony Sports Network on TV.