New Delhi. In a dazzling semi‑final at the Asian Games, India thumped Sri Lanka by 124 runs, booking a ticket to the gold‑medal showdown.

India’s Batting on Fire

Despite losing the toss, the Indian side posted 169/7 in the allotted 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan steered the innings with an unbeaten 80 off just 46 balls, peppering the attack with four fours and five sixes.

The middle order added crucial momentum: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 38 off 21 deliveries, hitting six fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 13 runs, while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson each managed seven. Supporting contributions came from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a finishing Washington Sundar (7*).

Sri Lanka’s Collapse

Facing a modest target of 170, the Sri Lankan line‑up never found its footing. Six wickets fell without a run added, and the top score was a mere 15 by Nuwanidu Fernando.

Other low‑scoring efforts came from Sahan Arachchige (9), Chamika Karunaratne (4), Vanuja Sahan (1) and Tharindu Ratnayake (5). Three dismissals were run‑outs.

India’s bowlers shared the spoils: 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 record set in Cuttack in 2017.

Quest for a Second Consecutive Gold

After clinching the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now seeks to defend the title. The women’s team have already secured back‑to‑back golds, underscoring the stakes for the men’s final.

Pakistan’s Road to the Finale

In the companion 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. Hasan Nawaz struck 27 off 22 balls, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 30 from 15 deliveries. Their 59‑run partnership off 32 balls sealed Pakistan’s place opposite India.

The Final Showdown

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