New Delhi. In a dominant display at the Asian Games men’s cricket semi‑final, India dismantled Sri Lanka by 124 runs, earning a coveted spot in the gold‑medal showdown.

India’s Batting Surge

After conceding the toss, India compiled 169/7 in their full 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan steered the innings with an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls, peppered with four fours and five sixes.

Middle‑order firepower was supplied by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who struck 38 runs from just 21 deliveries, featuring six fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer added 13, while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson contributed seven each.

Additional runs came from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a not‑out Washington Sundar (7).

Sri Lanka’s Collapse

Chasing a modest 170, the Sri Lankan line‑up never found momentum. Six wickets fell without a run, and the top score was a modest 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‑out.

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

Record‑Breaking Victory Margin

The 124‑run win stands as India’s largest triumph over Sri Lanka in terms of runs, eclipsing the previous 93‑run margin recorded in Cuttack in 2017.

Eyeing a Second Consecutive Gold

Having lifted the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now aims to retain the title.

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

Pakistan’s Road to the Finale

In the other semi‑final, rain forced a 13‑over per side contest. Bangladesh posted 111/7 in their innings.

Pakistan chased down the revised target of 112 in 11.3 overs, with Hasan Nawaz scoring 27 off 22 balls and Abdul Samad remaining unbeaten on 30 from 15 deliveries. Their 59‑run partnership sealed Pakistan’s place opposite India.

The Grand Finale

The gold‑medal clash between arch‑rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for 3 October, promising a thrilling conclusion to the Asian Games cricket tournament.