Asian Games: India Demolish Sri Lanka, Set Up Gold Medal Clash with Pakistan

NISSHIN— India put on a dominant display to storm into the final of the Asian Games cricket tournament, thrashing Sri Lanka by 124 runs in a one-sided semi-final encounter. Chasing a target of 170, the Sri Lankan batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure, getting bundled out for a paltry 45 runs. India will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be a high-voltage clash for the gold medal.

The Sri Lankan batters found themselves completely helpless against a lethal Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah set the tone in the very first over by picking up two quick wickets. Things went from bad to worse for Sri Lanka in the second over when Lasith was run out, and Axar Patel added to their misery by striking twice in the fourth over. Reeling at 18 for 5 within four overs, Sri Lanka's top order saw Sineth Jayawardene, Lasith, Sohan, and Ahan Bandara all heading back to the pavilion for ducks.

Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Abhishek Sharma shared the spoils with two wickets apiece. With Chamika Karunaratne (4), Wanuja Sahan (1), and Tharindu Ratnayake (5) failing to offer any meaningful resistance, the Sri Lankan innings folded in just 45 runs.

Earlier, after being put into bat, India posted a formidable total of 169 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a blazing undefeated half-century from Ishan Kishan, who smashed 80 off just 46 deliveries. India got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets as Abhishek Sharma (7) and Sanju Samson (7) fell cheaply, leaving the side precariously placed at 24 for 2. However, opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi steadied the ship with a crisp 38 off 21 balls, setting the stage for Kishan to launch a brutal assault in the death overs.