India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the men’s cricket semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday. After posting 169/7 in their allotted 20 overs, India’s
bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup for just 45 runs in 9.5 overs.
The victory booked India’s place in the gold medal match, where they will face Pakistan on October 3.
📸 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 🏅
A commanding 1️⃣2️⃣4️⃣-run victory in the semi-final takes #TeamIndia into the Gold Medal match on Saturday 🇮🇳
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/DjHV9q6htT#AsianGames pic.twitter.com/kr6h7UlyyG
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 1, 2026
Ishan Kishan leads India’s batting effort
After being invited to bat, India lost wickets at regular intervals but finished strongly on the back of a superb unbeaten knock from Ishan Kishan. The left-handed batter smashed 80* runs off just 46 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and five sixes.
Ishan’s explosive innings provided India with the momentum they needed, particularly during the latter stages of their innings. Washington Sundar also remained unbeaten on seven off three balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 13 off 13 deliveries.
Sanju Samson was dismissed for seven, while Axar Patel, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube could not make significant contributions. India eventually reached 169/7, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 170.
Sri Lanka collapse for 45
The chase never got going for Sri Lanka as India’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance. Sri Lanka were reduced to just 45 runs in 9.5 overs, recording their lowest-ever total in T20I cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah made an immediate impact, picking up two wickets while conceding only seven runs from his two overs. Axar Patel also claimed two wickets for eight runs from three overs.
Abhishek Sharma was equally impressive, taking two wickets for just two runs from his half-over. Washington Sundar picked up one wicket, while Ravi Bishnoi went wicketless after conceding four runs.
With Sri Lanka bundled out for 45, India secured a comprehensive 124-run victory and marched into the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final.
