The Indian men’s cricket team produced a commanding effort in the Asian Games semifinal and thrashed Sri Lanka by 124 runs at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Thursday. India, who are the defending champions, will now meet Pakistan in the gold medal match, which is scheduled for Saturday. India, batting first, piled 169/7 on the board and in response folded Sri Lanka for 45 inside 10 overs.
Ishan Kishan played a crucial role after India were invited to bat first by the opposition. In a surprise, all three openers Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Sanju Samson were part of the playing XI, with the wicketkeeper-batter sacrificing his opening slot.
Despite Abhishek and Vaibhav leading the charge, India failed to kick things off on a strong note. Abhishek was dismissed for 7(3) and Samson, who joined the action at No. 3, could only manage 7 off 9.
Sooryavanshi, who hit 38(21), featuring six 4s and two 6s, was the second highest scorer from his side. Ishan contributed the most by smashing an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls, studded with four 4s and five 6s.
Jasprit Bumrah then left Sri Lanka in tatters right from the word go. He struck twice in the first over and later Axar Patel did the same in the fourth over. Their combined effort along with a run-out left Sri Lanka reeling at 18/5 in 3.4 overs. Soon a couple of more runouts followed and Sri Lanka were ultimately folded for 45 inside 9.5 overs.
Pakistan had defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the other semifinal, which was reduced to 13 overs per side due to rain.
