India Dominates Sri Lanka to Reach Asian Games Cricket Final

In a commanding performance, India's cricket team defeated Sri Lanka in the semi-finals of the Asian Games, securing a spot in the final against Pakistan. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel led a fierce bowling attack that restricted Sri Lanka to just 45 runs. Ishan Kishan's stellar innings of 80 runs helped India set a competitive target of 169. With this victory, India aims for back-to-back gold medals in cricket at the Asian Games. Read on for a detailed account of the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 1, 2026, 15:47 IST

India Secures Spot in Final with Convincing Win

Photo: @TheKhelIndia/X

Nisshin, Oct 1: The Indian cricket team, reigning champions, delivered a stunning performance against Sri Lanka in the men's semi-final of the Asian Games at Karogi Sports Park, securing their place in the final where they will face Pakistan.

Chasing a target of 170 runs, India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order, taking two wickets in the first over and leaving the opposition struggling at 2-3 within just seven balls.

Ravi Bishnoi's quick throw resulted in a run-out, further crippling Sri Lanka as they fell to 18/5 after Axar Patel claimed two wickets in the fourth over.

With the Indian bowlers in complete control, Sanju Samson contributed to the downfall by running out Nuwanidu Fernando, while Washington Sundar dismissed Wanuja Sahan, leaving Sri Lanka in dire straits.

Captain Iyer's strategic decision to introduce Abhishek Sharma paid off, as the spinner took two wickets in consecutive deliveries, leading to a swift end to the Sri Lankan innings at just 45 runs in 9.5 overs.

Earlier, India batted first, scoring 169/7 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to Ishan Kishan's impressive unbeaten 80 runs off 46 balls, despite a shaky start where both openers fell cheaply.

With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returning to the team, he anchored the innings while Kishan's explosive batting, featuring five sixes and four fours, helped India set a challenging total.

Now, India, the defending champions, will aim for another gold medal against Pakistan, who triumphed over Bangladesh in the other semi-final.

Brief Scores: India 169/7 in 20 ov (Ishan Kishan 80 not out, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 38; Sahan Arachchige 2-28, Tharindu Ratnayake 2-32) beat Sri Lanka 45/10 in 9.5 ov (Nuwanidu Fernando 15; Abhishek Sharma 2-2, Jasprit Bumrah 2-7, Axar Patel 2-8) by 124 runs.