India defend 169 with a record-breaking bowling display to set up a gold-medal clash with Pakistan
Defending champions India stormed into the 2026 Asian Games men’s cricket final after dismantling Sri Lanka for just 45 in Nisshin, completing their biggest T20I victory over their neighbours.
India had managed 169 for 7 on a difficult, cracked surface, a total that proved more than enough as Sri Lanka’s chase collapsed spectacularly.
The result sets up an India-Pakistan final, with the two Asian rivals now set to contest the gold medal.
Kishan Leads India’s Batting
India’s innings was built around a superb unbeaten 80 from 46 balls by Ishan Kishan.
The left-hander combined aggression with calculated shot selection on a challenging surface, reaching his fifty from 33 balls before accelerating late.
He received valuable support from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who struck 38 from 21 balls, including a sequence of boundaries that helped India establish a strong platform.
India reached 169 for 7 despite losing wickets regularly, with Kishan responsible for much of their late acceleration.
Bumrah Leads Bowling Assault
Sri Lanka’s chase quickly turned into a nightmare.
Jasprit Bumrah produced a superb spell, taking 2 for 7 from two overs as India made early breakthroughs.
Sri Lanka lost their first two wickets before scoring a run, while India’s four-pronged spin attack made batting increasingly difficult.
Axar Patel added two wickets and bowled 14 dot balls, while India’s spinners dominated the contest.
India also completed a team hat-trick, further highlighting their control.
Sri Lanka Collapse for 45
Sri Lanka’s problems were compounded by three run-outs, including two involving batters from their top four.
Nuwanidu Fernando briefly threatened with a quick 15, but the wickets continued to fall rapidly.
Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 45 in 9.5 overs, the second-lowest men’s total at the Asian Games and joint-lowest total by a Full Member in men’s T20I history.
The victory sends India through to the gold-medal match, where they will face Pakistan in a highly anticipated Asian Games final.
