Defending champions India secured a commanding 124-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second semi-final of the men’s cricket event at the Asian Games 2026, officially setting up a high-voltage gold medal showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Batting first on a tricky surface at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, India posted a competitive total of 169/7 in their 20 overs. Ishan Kishan played a stellar, calculated knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 80 off 46 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and five towering sixes. Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also chipped in with a brisk 38 off 21 balls to add much-needed momentum after early breakthroughs by the Sri Lankan attack.
In response, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup suffered a catastrophic collapse, getting skittled out for a paltry 45 in just 9.5 overs. The entire innings folded under fierce pressure as the bowling attack dismantled the opposition, leaving Sri Lanka with one of their heaviest defeats in T20 history.
With this comprehensive win, India advances to the summit clash, where they will face Pakistan on October 3 for the coveted Asian Games gold medal.
