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India have stormed into the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final after defeating Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the second semi-final on Thursday, October 1. Led by Shreyas Iyer, India delivered a dominant performance with both bat and ball to secure their place in the gold medal match.
India will now face Pakistan in the Asian Games 2026 final on October 3. The gold medal match is scheduled to begin at 10 AM IST.
India Storm Into Asian Games 2026 Final After Beating Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. India were put under pressure early but recovered to post 169/7 in 20 overs.
India's innings was built around a superb unbeaten knock from Ishan Kishan, who took control of the innings when the team needed stability. His contribution helped India cross the 160-run mark on a challenging pitch.
Sri Lanka's response was completely different. The Indian bowling attack ran through their batting order, dismissing the team for only 45 runs in 9.5 overs.
Ishan Kishan Hits Unbeaten 80 as India Post 169/7
Ishan Kishan was the standout performer with the bat. The left-hander scored an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls, smashing four fours and five sixes.
Kishan played with patience early in his innings before accelerating at the right time. His knock proved decisive in helping India put a competitive total on the scoreboard.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi also provided valuable support, scoring 38 runs with six fours and two sixes.
Ishan Kishan Shines Under Pressure to Rescue India's Innings
India lost wickets at regular intervals, making Kishan's contribution even more important.
Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 13 runs, while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson added seven runs each. Axar Patel made eight runs, Tilak Varma scored two and Shivam Dube managed three.
Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on seven as India finished their 20 overs with 169 runs on the board.
Sri Lanka Collapse for 45 as India Seal 124-Run Victory
Sri Lanka needed 170 runs to win but suffered a dramatic collapse from the very beginning.
The team lost its opening two wickets without scoring a run. The third wicket fell at just two runs, while Sri Lanka were reduced to 18/5.
The collapse continued as the sixth and seventh wickets fell at 31 and 33 runs. The final three wickets came at 45, with Sri Lanka eventually bowled out for just 45 in 9.5 overs.
The result gave India a commanding 124-run victory and a place in the Asian Games final.
Bumrah, Axar and Abhishek Lead India's Bowling Attack
India's bowlers produced a disciplined performance to complete the victory.
Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma picked up two wickets each, while Washington Sundar claimed one wicket.
The Indian attack consistently put pressure on Sri Lanka and prevented the opposition from building any meaningful partnership during the chase.
India vs Pakistan Final Confirmed for Asian Games Gold Medal
India's victory has confirmed a blockbuster India vs Pakistan gold medal clash at the Asian Games 2026.
Pakistan had already secured its place in the final. With India now joining them, the two teams will compete for the men's cricket gold medal on October 3.
India and Pakistan Set for Gold Medal Clash on October 3
The Asian Games 2026 India vs Pakistan final will be played on Saturday, October 3. The match is scheduled to start at 10 AM IST.
India will enter the final after a convincing semi-final victory over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan will look to complete its campaign with a gold medal. The upcoming clash will decide the men's cricket champion at the Asian Games 2026.
Also Read: Ishan Kishan's 80* Breaks Major T20I Record in IND vs SL
