Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a record 49-ball century as India opened their Asian Games campaign with a 23-run win against Nepal on Tuesday morning. As a result, Team India has sealed their semi-final spot in the Men's Cricket Competition.

Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and elected to bat first, with the captain opening the innings alongside Jaiswal. While Gaikwad played anchor and was eventually dismissed halfway through the innings, his partner was in a different mood altogether as he came out all guns blazing. By the 10th over, India had already crossed the 100-run mark thanks to the southpaw's swashbuckling knock. 

 

 

While the middle order departed early, Shivam Dube walked in and held fort at the other end as Jaiswal continued to attack. In the 16th over, the Royals batter brought up his first-ever T20I century, one that went down in the history books. Not only did Yashasvi become the first Indian to score a hundred in the Asian Games, but he also broke the record for being the youngest Indian centurion in the format. At 21 years and 279 days, he surpassed fellow teammate Shubman Gill, who had recently made the landmark achievement his own at 23 years and 146 days. 

With crucial contributions in the lower order from Dube (25*) and Rinku Singh (37*), India posted a steep total of 202-4 on the board. In response, Nepal started the chase steadily but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Pacers Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh shared 5 wickets between them, breaking the back of Nepal's batting order. Ravi Bishnoi too chipped in with 3 wickets, and it eventually led to Nepal's downfall as they ended up at 179/9 in 20 overs.