New Delhi. In a dominant display at the Asian Games men’s cricket semi‑final, India dispatched Sri Lanka by a margin of 124 runs, securing a place in the coveted gold‑medal showdown.

India’s Batting Assault

Having lost the toss, India elected to chase and posted 169/7 in the allotted 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls, punctuated by four fours and five sixes.

The middle order added firepower through Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed 38 runs from just 21 deliveries, featuring six fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 13 runs, while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson each managed seven. Supporting contributions came from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a handy 7‑run finish from Washington Sundar.

Sri Lanka’s Rapid Collapse

Facing a modest target of 170, Sri Lanka never found a foothold. Six wickets fell without a run added, and the top score was a mere 15 by Nuwanidu Fernando.

Other modest contributions were recorded by Sahan Arachchige (9), Chamika Karunaratne (4), Vanuja Sahan (1) and Tharindu Ratnayake (5). Three dismissals came via run‑out.

India’s bowlers shared the spoils: Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma each claimed two wickets, while Washington Sundar added one.

A Record‑Setting Victory

The 124‑run win eclipses every previous margin India has enjoyed over Sri Lanka in this fixture, surpassing the 93‑run triumph recorded in Cuttack in 2017.

Chasing a Second Straight Gold

After clinching the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now eyes a back‑to‑back title defence.

The women’s squad has already secured consecutive gold medals, underscoring the magnitude of the upcoming men’s final.

Pakistan’s Route to the Final

In the companion semi‑final, rain truncated the contest to a 13‑over per side affair. Bangladesh set 111/7 in their innings.

Pakistan chased down the revised target of 112 in 11.3 overs. Hasan Nawaz struck 27 off 22 balls, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 30 from 15 deliveries, forging a decisive 59‑run partnership that booked Pakistan’s place opposite India.

The Grand Finale

The gold‑medal clash between arch‑rivals India and Pakistan is slated for 3 October, promising a thrilling conclusion to the Asian Games cricket tournament.