Cricket / Asian Games: Ruthless India Crush Sri Lanka, to Face Pakistan in Gold Medal Clash

Nisshin, Oct 1: India’s march to the Asian Games 2026 final was nothing short of ruthless theatre. At Karogi Sports Park on Thursday, the defending champions dismantled Sri Lanka with clinical precision, sealing a 124‑run triumph that now paves the way for a high‑voltage showdown against arch‑rivals Pakistan.

What unfolded was not just a victory, but a statement of intent — a performance that blended power hitting, relentless pace, and sharp fielding into a spectacle befitting a continental semi‑final.

Asked to defend a competitive 170‑run target, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order in the very first over, striking twice to remove opener Sineth Jayawardena and wicketkeeper Sohan de Livera for ducks.

Also read: Shubman Gill's Double Ton Powers India to Historic 406-Run Chase

The collapse deepened when Ravi Bishnoi’s sharp throw ran out Lasith Croospulle, leaving the Islanders reeling at 2/3 within seven balls.

Axar Patel compounded the misery with two wickets in the fourth over, reducing Sri Lanka to 18/5. With Sanju Samson effecting a run‑out and Washington Sundar dismissing Wanuja Sahan, the batting unit crumbled further.

Captain Shreyas Iyer’s decision to introduce Abhishek Sharma paid off instantly, as the left‑arm spinner struck twice in successive deliveries, sending Chamika Karunaratne and Binura Fernando back.

The innings folded in just 9.5 overs, with Sri Lanka bowled out for a paltry 45. Except Nuwanidu Fernando, no batter managed double figures as India’s bowlers ran riot.

Earlier, India posted 169/7 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. Ishan Kishan anchored the innings brilliantly, smashing an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls with five sixes and four boundaries.

While opener Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who batted at No.3, fell cheaply for seven apiece and skipper Shreyas Iyer managed only 13, Kishan steadied the innings alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, ensuring India reached a defendable total on a challenging pitch.

With this commanding victory, India, the reigning champions, now eye back‑to‑back gold medals. Their final against Pakistan on October 3 promises to be a high‑voltage encounter, with both teams chasing glory at the continental stage.

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.

(IANS)