The Indian national cricket team, in the second semifinal of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, defeated Sri Lanka by a margin of 124 runs with a strong and comprehensive performance, advancing to the final of the tournament. This victory sets India up for a showdown with its long-time rivals, Pakistan, in the final match.
Brilliant performance by Ishan Kishan and powerful bowling
India achieved a competitive total of 169 runs, aided by an outstanding display from Ishan Kishan, who scored 80 runs not out. Subsequently, India's bowlers delivered an impressive performance, restricting Sri Lanka to just 45 runs in 9.5 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel took two wickets each in the first four overs, gaining control of the game. Abhishek Sharma also ensured India's victory with two wickets in the tenth over.
Sri Lanka's early collapse
Sri Lanka faced numerous challenges at the start of the match, with Bumrah quickly dismissing Sadeera Samarawickrama on the second ball of the game. Sanju Samson also fell in the same over after taking an easy catch from Sohan de Silva. Lasith Croospul was dismissed without scoring a run in the first two overs, leaving Sri Lanka in a precarious position with three wickets down in the first two overs.
Captain Sahan Arachchige attempted to respond with two boundaries off Axar Patel, but Axar quickly dismissed him and Ashan Bandara in one over. Nuwanidu Fernando posed a temporary threat with two sixes but was soon dismissed, and Washington Sundar took Vanuya Sahan in his next over.
Abhishek Sharma's two wickets in the tenth over sealed India's emphatic victory, eliminating Sri Lanka with the lowest total runs in the match. Bumrah, Axar, and Abhishek each took two wickets, while Sundar claimed one wicket.
Earlier, Kishan saved India from a weak start with an aggressive innings, setting a competitive total of 169 runs. India, the defending champion of the previous Asian Games, will now face Pakistan in the final on Saturday.
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