India reach Asian Games men's cricket final after 124-run win over Sri Lanka
India set up an Asian Games final against Pakistan after bowling Sri Lanka out for 45 to win their semifinal by 124 runs in Nisshin.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the Asian Games men's cricket semifinal in Nisshin on Thursday to set up a gold-medal match against Pakistan. Ishan Kishan scored an unbeaten 80 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made 38 as India posted 169 for seven in their 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets in his opening over and the spinners claimed five scalps between them as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 45 in 9.5 overs.
Pakistan advanced after beating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened semifinal reduced to 13 overs per side. The final is scheduled for Saturday at Korogi Sports Park. Under revised rules, if rain washes out the final both teams will share the gold medal.
India are seeking to defend their title after winning gold in 2023 when their final against Afghanistan was also rained off. Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi will miss the final due to prior commitments and will not be involved in the medal ceremony.
CricHubb Take
A shared gold medal under the new rain rule would mark the first time India and Pakistan have jointly topped an Asian Games cricket event, removing the outright winner that has defined every previous final between the two sides.