Asian Games: India thrash Sri Lanka by 124 runs, set up men’s cricket final against Pakistan

Defending champions India stormed into the Asian Games men’s cricket final with a commanding 124-run victory over Sri Lanka at Karogi Sports Park on Thursday, setting up a high-profile title clash against Pakistan.

After posting 169/7, India’s bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka for just 45 in 9.5 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma claiming two wickets each.

Bumrah made an immediate impact in the second innings, removing opener Sineth Jayawardena and wicketkeeper-batter Sohan de Livera for ducks in the opening over.

Sri Lanka were soon reduced to 2/3 when Lasith Croospulle was run out following a sharp throw from Ravi Bishnoi. Axar then struck twice in the fourth over as Sri Lanka slipped to 18/5.

Sanju Samson and Axar combined to run out Nuwanidu Fernando, while Washington Sundar dismissed Wanuja Sahan as the Sri Lankan batting collapse continued.

Captain Shreyas Iyer introduced Abhishek Sharma into the attack and the move paid immediate dividends. The left-arm spinner picked up two wickets in quick succession, dismissing Chamika Karunaratne and Binura Fernando.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 45 in 9.5 overs. Nuwanidu Fernando top-scored with 15, with no other batter managing a double-digit score.

Earlier, India were asked to bat first and posted 169/7 in their allotted 20 overs, with Ishan Kishan anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, returning to the XI, provided India with a brisk start, scoring 38 off 21 balls. However, India lost Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson cheaply, both scoring seven.

Iyer was dismissed for 13, but Ishan steadied the innings and accelerated towards the end. He struck five sixes and four boundaries to take India to a competitive total on a challenging surface.

India will now face Pakistan in the final after Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the other semifinal. The defending champions will be aiming to retain their Asian Games title.

Brief Scores: India 169/7 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 80*, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 38; Sahan Arachchige 2/28, Tharindu Ratnayake 2/32) beat Sri Lanka 45 all out in 9.5 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 15; Abhishek Sharma 2/2, Jasprit Bumrah 2/7, Axar Patel 2/8) by 124 runs.