New Delhi. In a dominant display at the Asian Games men’s cricket semi‑final, India chased down Sri Lanka by a margin of 124 runs, booking a place in the gold‑medal clash.

India’s Batting on Fire

Having lost the toss, India elected to bat first and compiled 169 for 7 in the allotted 20 overs. Opening batsman Ishan Kishan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 80 off just 46 deliveries, peppering the scoreboard with four fours and five sixes.

The middle order added crucial momentum: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 38 runs from 21 balls, featuring six boundaries and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 13 runs, while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson each managed seven.

Additional runs came from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a handy unbeaten 7 from Washington Sundar.

Sri Lanka’s Dismal Chase

Facing a modest target of 170, the Sri Lankan line‑up crumbled early. Six wickets fell without any runs added, and the top score was a paltry 15 by Nuwanidu Fernando.

Further 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 evenly: Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma each claimed two wickets, while Washington Sundar added one.

A Record‑Setting Margin

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

Chasing a Second Consecutive Gold

After lifting the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now eyes a back‑to‑back title.

The women’s team has already secured successive gold medals, underscoring the stakes for the men’s final.

Pakistan’s Route to the Final

In the companion semi‑final, rain trimmed the contest to a 13‑over per side affair. Bangladesh posted 111 for 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 Grand Finale

The gold‑medal showdown between arch‑rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for 3 October, promising a high‑octane climax to the Asian Games cricket tournament.