In a dazzling debut at the Asian Games, explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a magnificent maiden T20 century, embellishing it with seven towering sixes, as India’s men commenced their campaign with a 23-run victory against a spirited Nepal side.

Match Summary:

• ndia vs Nepal, Quarter Final 1, Asian Games Men’s T20I
• India: 202/4 (20 overs)
• Nepal: 179/9 (20 overs)
• Result: India won by 23 runs
• [Scorecard](link-to-scorecard)

Despite the absence of superstars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are preparing for the one-day World Cup, the world’s top-ranked Twenty20 team fielded a formidable second-string squad in Hangzhou.

India’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad commented on the match, stating, “They are a good side, so we’re not surprised at how they came at us. It wasn’t our best day, but we still managed to get a win.”

Cricket has graced the Asian Games twice before, in Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014, but India had not previously participated. Bangladesh secured the men’s title in 2010, while Sri Lanka are the defending champions, with Afghanistan being the runners-up in both editions.

India, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, entered the Hangzhou Games at the quarter-final stage.

Jaiswal provided a blazing start, taking India to 103 without loss. However, a mini-collapse ensued with Gaikwad (25), Tilak Varma (two), and Jitesh Sharma (five) falling in quick succession.

At the other end, Jaiswal reached his maiden T20 international century off 48 balls, featuring seven sixes and eight fours. Soon after, he was caught on the ropes by Abinash Bohara while attempting another big hit.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ star Rinku then joined the action, smashing 37 off 15 balls in a late flurry that added 64 runs from the last five overs. Reflecting on his century, Jaiswal remarked, “Wherever you go and score a century, especially when you are representing your country, it’s a proud moment, and you get goosebumps. This is my first T20 century, and it’s pretty special.”