New Delhi. In a dazzling display at the Asian Games men’s cricket semi‑final, India thumped Sri Lanka by 124 runs, sealing a place in the gold‑medal showdown.

Batting Firepower Unleashed

After conceding the toss, India amassed 169/7 in the allotted 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan carried the innings, finishing unbeaten on 80 off just 46 balls, peppered with four fours and five sixes.

The middle order added crucial runs: Vaibhav Suryavanshi blitzed 38 off 21 deliveries (six fours, two sixes), while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 13. Lower‑order hits came from Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, each scoring seven.

Extras were supplied by Axar Patel (8), Tilak Varma (2), Shivam Dube (3) and an unbeaten Washington Sundar (7).

Sri Lanka’s Total Collapse

Facing a modest chase of 170, the Sri Lankan lineup never found momentum. Six wickets fell for no runs, and the highest individual tally was a mere 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 added one.

Record‑Setting Victory Margin

The 124‑run win stands as India’s largest triumph over Sri Lanka in terms of runs, eclipsing the previous 93‑run margin recorded in Cuttack, 2017.

Chasing Back‑to‑Back Gold

After clinching the men’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou under Ruturaj Gaikwad, India now aims to retain the title. The women’s team has already secured consecutive golds, underscoring the stakes for the men’s final.

Pakistan’s Road to the Finale

In the other semi‑final, rain forced a 13‑over format. Bangladesh posted 111/7 in their innings. Pakistan chased down the revised target of 112 in 11.3 overs, with Hasan Nawaz striking 27 off 22 balls and Abdul Samad remaining unbeaten on 30 off 15, forging a decisive 59‑run partnership.

The Grand Finale

The gold‑medal encounter between arch‑rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for 3 October, promising a high‑octane climax to the Asian Games cricket tournament.