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, booking a place in the coveted gold‑medal showdown.

Batting Brilliance from India

Despite losing the toss, the Indian side posted 169/7 in the allotted twenty overs. Opener Ishan Kishan anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 80 off just 46 balls, peppered with four fours and five sixes.

Quick‑fire contributions followed from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed 38 runs from 21 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer added 13, while both Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson chipped in with seven runs each.

Lower‑order support arrived from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a finishing 7* from Washington Sundar.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Chasing a modest 170, the Sri Lankan lineup never found a foothold. Six wickets fell without a run added, and the top score was a mere 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‑outs.

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

Record‑Setting Victory

The 124‑run win eclipses the previous best margin of 93 runs recorded against Sri Lanka in Cuttack, 2017, establishing a new benchmark for the rivalry.

Chasing a Second Straight Gold

After clinching the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, India now sets its sights on defending the title.

The women’s squad has already secured back‑to‑back golds, underscoring the importance of the upcoming men’s final.

Pakistan’s Road to the Final

In the other semi‑final, rain trimmed the game to a 13‑over per side contest. Bangladesh posted 111/7 when they batted first.

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

Gold‑Medal Showdown Awaits

The highly anticipated final between arch‑rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for October 3, promising a thrilling climax to the Asian Games cricket tournament.