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

India’s Batting on Fire

After conceding the toss, India posted 169/7 in their full quota of 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan steered the innings with an unbeaten 80 off just 46 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes.

The middle order was bolstered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed 38 from 21 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer added 13, while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson contributed seven each.

Additional runs came from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a not‑out Washington Sundar (7).

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Facing a modest target of 170, the Sri Lankan line‑up never found momentum. Six wickets fell for no runs, and the top score was a modest 15 by Nuwanidu Fernando.

Other contributions were limited to 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 took one.

A Record‑Setting Victory

Winning by 124 runs represents India’s largest margin over Sri Lanka in a T20 encounter, eclipsing the previous 93‑run win recorded in Cuttack in 2017.

Chasing Back‑to‑Back Gold

After clinching the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now looks to retain the title.

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

Pakistan’s Route to the Final

In the parallel semi‑final, rain reduced the contest to 13 overs per side. Bangladesh posted 111/7 in their innings.

Pakistan chased 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, stitching a 59‑run partnership that secured Pakistan’s place opposite India.

The Grand Finale

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