Kishan’s unbeaten 80 powers India into Asian Games final

Nisshin (Japan): Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 helped India overcome Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the men’s cricket semi-final at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday, September 30, securing their place in the gold-medal match against Pakistan.

Batting first on a slow, turning pitch, India struggled for fluency, but Kishan held the innings together before accelerating in the closing overs. He remained unbeaten on 80 off 46 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided India with a brisk start, scoring 38 off 21 deliveries before Washington Sundar added valuable runs late in the innings. India finished with 169 for seven in their 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s chase, however, quickly unravelled. The Indian bowlers reduced them to 31 for six during the powerplay before dismissing the side for just 45 in 9.5 overs.

Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel claimed two wickets apiece. Bumrah was particularly economical, conceding only seven runs, while Sharma gave away just two runs in his spell.

The comprehensive victory sends India into the final, where they will meet arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

The contest will be particularly significant for India as they continue their bid to retain the Asian Games cricket title. A victory over Pakistan would secure the gold medal, while India’s campaign has already guaranteed them at least a silver.