India produced a commanding all-round performance to thrash Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the men’s cricket semi-final at the 2026 Asian Games. After being asked to bat first at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, India overcame a difficult start to post 169/7 before their bowlers completely dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase.
Sri Lanka were never able to build any momentum in pursuit of 170 as India’s bowling attack struck at regular intervals. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel led the way before Abhishek Sharma finished off the innings, with Sri Lanka eventually bowled out for just 45 in 9.5 overs.
Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 lifts India to 169
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first under overcast conditions, and their decision initially paid off. Sahan Arachchige and Tharindu Rathnayake struck early to dismiss Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson for seven runs each, leaving India struggling at 24/2 in the third over. Shreyas Iyer was unable to make a substantial contribution either, falling for 13 off 13 balls.
India then needed someone to inject momentum into the innings, and teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided exactly that with a quickfire 38 off 21 deliveries. Suryavanshi struck six fours and two sixes before being dismissed, but Ishan Kishan took charge during the latter stages. The wicketkeeper-batter produced an explosive unbeaten 80 off 46 balls, hitting four boundaries and five sixes to guide India to 169/7 from their 20 overs.
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India’s bowling attack bundles out Sri Lanka for 45
Sri Lanka needed a strong start to their chase but instead found themselves in immediate trouble against India’s pace attack. Bumrah was particularly effective, picking up two wickets for just seven runs from his two overs as the Sri Lankan top order collapsed. Axar then continued the pressure once the powerplay ended. The spinner conceded only eight runs in his three overs while taking two wickets, making it increasingly difficult for Sri Lanka to recover.
Nuwanidu Fernando was the only Sri Lankan batter to reach double figures, scoring 15 runs as wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Abhishek then wrapped up the innings with two wickets for just two runs from five deliveries. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 45 in 9.5 overs, handing India a comprehensive 124-run victory and a place in the gold medal match. India will now face Pakistan on October 3, while Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh in the bronze medal match.
India crush Sri Lanka by 124 runs to storm into the Asian Games 2026 final 🔥#INDvSL #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/Ey1uKad20r
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 1, 2026
Also READ: Asian Games 2026: Pakistan beat Bangladesh in rain-shortened semi-final to reach Gold Medal match
