As the Asian Games 2023 gears up for its grand commencement on September 23, cricket enthusiasts have a significant reason to celebrate. Cricket is back as a major sport at the event, and this time, it’s in the exhilarating T20 format. After its last appearance in 2014, the return of cricket to the Asian Games adds an extra layer of excitement to the sporting spectacle.

The venue for this cricketing extravaganza is Hangzhou, China, where teams from across Asia will compete for glory. The men’s cricket tournament, featuring 15 teams, is scheduled to begin on September 27, promising fierce competition and thrilling cricket moments. The pinnacle of the cricket event, the bronze and gold medal matches, is slated for October 7.

Among the notable teams, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have secured direct berths into the quarter-finals, setting the stage for thrilling cricket action reminiscent of the Asia Cup 2023. Here, we take a look at the top 5 best-ranked teams gearing up for this exciting competition?.

1. Indian cricket’s young leadership at the Asian Games

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: A new captain’s debut

In a bid to infuse fresh energy into Indian cricket, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed the responsibility of captaining the team at the Asian Games. This marks his maiden leadership role in a significant international event. With seasoned players occupied with the World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are eager to explore young talents and Gaikwad’s appointment is a testament to this approach.

• IPL stars shine bright: Squad selection

The squad for the Asian Games boasts some of the brightest stars from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar and Prabhsimran Singh have earned their spots in the 15-member contingent. Their impressive performances in the IP??L have earned ??them this opportunity to represent India on a grand stage.

• Cricketing excellence at the Asian Games

These young talents will aim to make history at the continental event, showcasing their cricketing skills. India’s goal is to secure the gold medal, and these players will play a pivotal role in achieving that objective. Their journey begins with the knockout round on October 3, and India’s Quarter Final game will take place at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou. The opponent for this crucial fixture will be determined after the completion of the group stage fixtures.

Also READ: Manish Pandey stars in Karn??ataka’s triumph over Asian Games??-bound Team India in a warm-up game

2. Emerging cricket stars: Pakistan’s charge at the Asian Games

• Captaincy debut for Qasim Akram:

Pakistan are gearing up for the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, with a fresh perspective under the leadership of the young and talented Qasim Akram. At just 20 years old, Qasim has an impressive cricketing resume, including captaining Pakistan at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup and leading his team to victory in the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup 2023 against arch-rivals ??India.

• Second-string squad due to World Cup commitment:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send a second-string squad to the Asian Games, allowing their main team to focus on the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. The senior team’s involvement in the World Cup underscores the depth of talent in Pakistani cricket.

• Key players in the roster:

The Hangzhou-bound Pakistan squad features promising talents like Omair Bin Yousuf as vice-captain, along with established names such as Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Khushdil Shah, Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Qadir, all of whom have had international exposure. This blend of youth and experience forms the core of Pakistan’s challenge at the marquee event.

• Road to glory: schedule and ambitions:

Pakistan’s journey at the Asian Games commences from the quarter-final stage on October 3 and 4. The semi-finals will be held on October 6, and the competition will culminate with the bronze medal game and the final on October 7. Pakistan aims to shine on the continental stage, demonstrating their cricketing prowess and determination.

3. Sri Lanka’s cricket legacy at the Asian Games 2023

• Golden history in Asian Games cricket:

Sri Lanka enters the Asian Games cricket competition with a rich history of triumph. In the last appearance of cricket at the Asian Games in 2014, Sri Lanka clinched the gold medal in the men’s cricket event by defeating Afghanistan by a convincing margin of 68 runs. This victory underscored their prowess on the international cricketing stage.

• Sahan Arachchige to lead the charge:

The leadership of the 15-member Sri Lankan squad for this prestigious tournament has been entrusted to the talented Sahan Arachchige. Arachchige, a key member of the Asia Cup 2023 final squad, will now don the captain’s armband. His experience and leadership qualities position him as a valuable asset as Sri Lanka seeks to leave an indelible mark in the Asian Games cricket competition.

• T20 skills and emerging talents:

With the impending World Cup, Sri Lanka, like other participating nations, has opted to field a second-string side. The team boasts a reservoir of T??20 specialists who have the potential to shine in the upcoming Asian tournament. In the absence of their star players, young talents will be eager to seize the opportunity to shine in Hangzhou.

• The journey begins:

Sri Lanka are set to embark on its Asian Games 2023 campaign on October 4th, where they will face the qualifier in the third quarterfinal. The tournament offers a platform for Sri Lanka’s emerging talents to showcase their skills and continue the nation’s cricketing legacy in this prestigious event.

4. Bangladesh’s cricketing history at the Asian Games 2023

• Bronze triumph in 2014:

In the 2014 Asian Games, Mashrafe Mortaza led Bangladesh to a commendable third-place finish on the points table. Their campaign featured two victories in three games, earning them a well-deserved bronze medal. The Bangladeshi side returned home with this prestigious medal, securing victory over Hong Kong in the Bronze Medal match.

• Saif Hassan to lead the charge:

Opening batter Saif Hassan has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Bangladesh side for the Asian Games 2023. The team boasts a mix of experienced campaigners like Yasir Ali and Mosaddek Hossain, adding depth to their lineup.

• The emerging talent of Tanzim Hasan Sakib:

Keep an eye on Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an exciting prospect who made a sparkling international debut against India in the Asia Cup. Sakib’s ability to swing the ball in both directions sets him apart and makes him one of the players to watch in the tournament.

• The journey begins:

Bangladesh’s journey in the multi-nation event kicks off with their participation in the quarterfinals on October 4th. As they aim to replicate their success from the past and potentially secure another medal, Bangladesh’s cricketing future looks promising under the leadership of Saif.

5. Afghanistan’s cricket charge at the Asian Games 2023

• Gulbadin Naib to lead the charge:

Afghanistan’s cricket aspirations at the global showpiece event rest in the capable hands of seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who has been entrusted with the captaincy. With a wealth of international experience, Naib’s leadership will be crucial for Afghanistan’s campaign.

• A squad of recognized talents:

The Afghanistan squad features a lineup of well-known cricketing talents who have previously represented their nation at the international level. The likes of Mohammad Shahzad, Karim Jannat, Sediqullah Atal, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Qais Ahmad and Afsar Zazai brin?g a wealth o??f experience and skill to the team.

• A glorious silver in 2014 – A quest for gold in 2023:

Cricket made its debut in the Asian Games in 2014, and Afghanistan’s spirited performance earned them the Silver medal. However, this time, the Afghan cricketing contingent aims to go one step further and clinch the coveted gold medal. Their past success serves as motivation to excel in Hangzhou.

• Challenging path to quarters:

Unlike the other four Asian teams who have secured direct entry to the quarterfinals, Afghanistan faces the initial challenge of defeating Mongolia to earn their spot in the knockout stage. This hurdle adds an exciting dimension to Afghanistan’s journey, as they strive to make their mark on the continental stage.

Also READ: Afghanistan Cricket Board announces 15-member strong squ?ad for the 19th Asian Games; Gulbadin Naib to lead ?the side

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set the stage for a thrilling showdown at the 19th Asian Games as they unveiled a formidable 15-member squad to represent the nation on Thursday (August 24). The highly anticipated event is scheduled to unfold in China and will see the cricketing giants battle it out in the T20 format ??fr??om September 28 to October 7.

PCB appoints Qasim Akram as Pakistan Shaheen’s skipper for the 19th Asian Games

Young and dynamic all-rounder Qasim Akram has been entrusted with the leadership role for the Pakistan Shaheens in the squad revealed by the Pakistan board. It is worth mentioning that Qasim boasts an impressive cricketing experience, having participated in 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches. The 20-year-old’s leadership credentials were earlier showcased when he captained the Pakistan U19 team during the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022. On the other hand, Omair Bin Yousuf has been appointed as Qaism’s deputy for the Asian Games challenge.

The Pakistan men’s cricket team holds a significant record in the Asian Games, having secured a bronze medal during their debut appearance back in 2010. With the stage set for the 19th edition of the games, all eyes are on the Pakistan Shaheens as they look to make their mark on the tournament.

Also READ: Mohammad Kaif names?? Rohit Sharma’s go-to man in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023

PCB assembles a squad ??with a wealth of experience 

Among the selected players for Pakistan Shaheens, several have already made their presence felt on the international stage. Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir are a few prominent names that bring with them a wealth of experience and skills garnere?d from their international appearances into the Asian Games squad of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Shaheens have been directly promoted to the quarter-finals stage of the Asian Games and will be high on confidence. The Green Team are coming from a successful ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup tournament held in Sri Lanka, where they clinche??d victory by a staggering 108 runs against India A in the final. However, the Shaheens later face?d a slight setback in the Top End T20 Series held in Darwin, where they finished as runners-up in th?e six-team tournament.

Pakistan Shaheen’s squad for the 19th Asian Games:

Qasim Akram (c), Omair Bin Yousuf (vc), Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Rohail Nazi?r, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Qadir

Non-travelling reserves – Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi and Mubasir Khan

Also READ: Kris Srikkanth’s blunt advice to Team India regarding Tilak V?arma

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The seventh match of the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup 2023 saw Pakistan lock horns with United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a one-sided encounter at P Sara Oval in Colombo. Pakistan emerged victorious in the contest by a comprehensive margin of ??184 ?runs.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan got off to a rocket start with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan webbing a 98-run partnership for the first wicket. Saim scored impressive 56 runs, while Farhan added 63 runs off 54 deliveries. Kamran Ghulam also contributed with a quickfire 63 runs, supported by four sixes and as many fours. Meanwhile, Mohammad Haris added a?? valuable 55 runs to the team’s total. Although Pakistan were bundled out in 49.2 overs by the UAE, they had crossed the 300-run mark until then and eventually posted a formidable total of 309 runs.

For UAE, Jash Giyanani was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 50 runs in his quota of ten overs. Matiullah Khan, Nilansh Keswani, Ali Naseer, and Mohammed Faraazuddin also chipped in with crucial wickets.

Chasing a challenging target, UAE struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 125 runs in 29.5 overs. Aryansh Sharma was the top scorer with 37 runs, supported by Jonathan Figy (25), but the duo failed to get their team through in the run chase. Qasim Akram was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking an impressive six wickets for just 26 runs in his quota of ten overs. Sufiyan Muqeem also contributed with three scalps.

Qasim played a major role in Pakistan emerging victori?ous against UAE by a commanding margin of 184 runs and was a the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match�award for his exceptional bowling performance.

Pakistan registered a comprehensive win over UAE in the ACC Men's Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023. #cricket #EmergingAsiaCup2023 #pakistan #uae #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/sAW55uF2LD

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Pakistan will next face arch-rivals India in the 12th matc??h of the tournament at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday (July 19).

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