New Delhi. In a spectacular semi‑final at the Asian Games, India routed Sri Lanka by 124 runs, earning a coveted place in the gold‑medal showdown against Pakistan.

India’s Batting Blitz

After conceding the toss, India posted 169/7 in their full quota of 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan smashed an unbeaten 80 off just 46 balls, peppering the innings with four fours and five sixes.

The middle order added vital momentum: Vaibhav Suryavanshi contributed a rapid 38 from 21 deliveries, featuring six fours and two sixes. Captain Shreyas Iyer chipped in 13 runs, while Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson each added seven.

Lower‑order support came from Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and a finishing 7* from Washington Sundar.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Facing a modest target of 170, Sri Lanka never found a foothold. Six wickets fell without a run added, and the highest individual 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‑outs.

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

A Record‑Setting Victory

The 124‑run margin is India’s biggest triumph over Sri Lanka in Asian Games history, eclipsing the previous 93‑run win recorded in Cuttack in 2017.

Chasing Back‑to‑Back Gold

Having lifted the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now set its sights on retaining the title.

The women’s team has already secured consecutive gold medals, underscoring the magnitude of the upcoming men’s final.

Pakistan’s Route to the Decider

In the companion semi‑final, rain trimmed the contest to 13 overs per side. Bangladesh posted 111/7 after batting first.

Pakistan chased down the revised 112‑run target in 11.3 overs. Hasan Nawaz blasted 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 encounter between the two cricketing giants is scheduled for October 3, promising a thrilling climax to the Asian Games tournament.