New Delhi. In a blistering semi‑final at the Asian Games, India smashed Sri Lanka by 124 runs, clinching the right to contest the gold‑medal match.
Batting Surge Sets the Pace
After conceding the toss, India compiled 169/7 in their full quota of 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan played the innings of the day, remaining unbeaten on 80 off just 46 balls, peppered with four fours and five sixes.
Middle‑order fireworks came from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who rattled off 38 runs from 21 deliveries, featuring six fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer added 13, while both Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson contributed seven runs each.
Additional bits came from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a handy 7* from Washington Sundar.
Sri Lanka Crumbles Under Pressure
Facing a modest chase 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 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 evenly: Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma each claimed two wickets, while Washington Sundar added one.
Historic Winning Margin
The 124‑run triumph stands as India’s biggest victory over Sri Lanka in terms of runs, eclipsing the previous 93‑run margin recorded in Cuttack in 2017.
Chasing a Second Consecutive Gold
After lifting the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now eyes back‑to‑back titles.
The women’s squad has already secured two successive gold medals, underscoring the stakes for the upcoming men’s final.
Pakistan’s Route to the Decider
In the companion semi‑final, rain truncated the game to a 13‑over per side affair. Bangladesh posted 111/7 in their innings.
Pakistan chased down the revised target of 112 in 11.3 overs, with Hasan Nawaz blasting 27 off 22 balls and Abdul Samad remaining unbeaten on 30 from 15 deliveries. Their 59‑run stand off 32 balls booked Pakistan’s place opposite India.
The Final Showdown
The gold‑medal encounter between arch‑rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for 3 October, promising a thrilling climax to the Asian Games cricket tournament.
