Defending champions India stayed in line for title defence and set up a gold medal clash with Pakistan after thrashing Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the Asian Games cricket semifinal at Nagoya (Japan) on Thursday (October 1).
Quick summary – click for full detailsConcise summary of key highlights
Asian Games 2026 | Stage set for India vs Pakistan final as defending champions thrash Sri Lanka in semis
In one lineDefending champions India set up an Asian Games cricket final against Pakistan after thrashing Sri Lanka by 124 runs.Key highlights• India thrashes Sri LankaIndia defeated Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the Asian Games cricket semifinal held in Nagoya, Japan.• Ishan Kishan stars with batIshan Kishan scored a swashbuckling 80 runs off 46 deliveries, helping India post a total of 169 for seven.• Sri Lanka collapses cheaplySri Lanka was bowled out for a paltry 45 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel claiming two wickets each.• Pakistan reaches the finalPakistan secured their place in the gold medal match by beating Bangladesh by six wickets in the other semifinal.• Handshake controversy expectedThe upcoming India-Pakistan showdown is expected to face scrutiny over whether the teams will shake hands, following recent protocols.Key statistics124 runsMargin of victoryThursday (October 1)Match date80Ishan Kishan’s score45Sri Lanka’s total scoreSaturday (October 3)Finals dateProcessed with AI. Reviewed by DH Digital Team.
Earlier, Pakistan beat Bangladesh by six wickets in the other last-four encounter.
Ishan Kishan did the star turn for India with a swashbuckling half-cenutury as India with a 46-ball 80 as they made 169 for seven after being put India in to bat.
In reply, Sri Lanka were folded out for a paltry 45 with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah returning figures of two for 7.
It is the joint lowest T20 International total by a Test-playing nation. West Indies was dismissed for the same score in 2019 against England.
Bumrah struck twice in his opening over and was then joined by Axar Patel, who also claimed two wickets.
Sri Lanka’s collapse included two run-outs, which was ample proof of them being rattled by the pitch and the loss of early wickets.
The build-up to the India vs Pakistan showdown will once again be dominated by the chatter on whether the two teams will shake hands.
The Indian players have refused to exchange pleasantries with their Pakistan counterparts in the Asia Cup and ICC events since Operation Sindoor last year to show solidarity with the Indian armed forces.
It remains to be seen if the management sticks to status quo or there is a handshake with the Pakistan players after the game, a protocol that has been followed by athletes of others sports in the Asian Games.
India and Pakistan players will have to share the podium irrespective of what happens in the final, like the women’s team did after winning gold last week.