Arch-rivals to meet in the Men’s Asian Games 2026 Final
Pakistan’s spin show against Bangladesh and India’s resilient charge against Sri Lanka sets up a high-stakes final in Nisshin.
Pakistan sealed their spot in the Men’s Asian Games final with a dominant all-round display, setting up a blockbuster summit clash against India, who advanced thanks to a strong bowling effort and a standout performance from Ishan Kishan.
The gold medal match is set to be played on October 3 in Nisshin, Japan. India and Pakistan will lock horns in a high-octane final, following the bronze medal fixture between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka earlier in the day.
Here’s how the two semi-finals in the men’s competition for the Asian Games panned out:
Samad, Moqim guide Pakistan to win over Bangladesh
A brilliant bowling spell from Sufyan Moqim followed by a handy cameo from Abdul Samad in a chase helped Pakistan overcome Bangladesh in the first of the Asian Games semi-finals in the Men’s competition.
Sahibzada Farhan won the toss in Nisshin and elected to field first. Arafat Minhas and Saim Ayub troubled the Bangladesh top-order with their turn, and brought early breakthroughs, leaving Bangladesh rattled for 21/3 in the fourth over of a 13-over per innings game.
Towhid Hridoy (42 off 25) unleashed an array of attacking strokes to get Bangladesh closer to hundred, but a three-wicket haul from Moqim derailed the efforts to pick the scoring rate. Bangladesh finished at 111/7 in their 13 overs.
In response, Pakistan were troubled early in their chase as Bangladesh’s bowlers continued striking in the early overs. Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman all shared a wicket apiece. With the Men in Green at 53/4 at the start of the seventh over, Bangladesh would’ve been confident of their chances of making the Asian Games Final.
However, Abdul Samad took the lead along with Hasan Nawaz, to stitch together a match winning stand of 59. Samad hit five fours and a six during his 30* off 15, whereas Nawaz was unbeaten on 27 off 22.
Bowlers, Kishan propel India's big win over Sri Lanka
Sahan Arachchige won the toss and elected to bowl first. Backing his own call, Arachchige got the big wicket of Abhishek Sharma in his very first over. Sanju Samson, batting at number three, fell to Tharindu Ratnayake soon after leaving India in trouble at 24/2.
India’s teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge, smashing a quickfire 38 off 21, helping the side pick pace. However, before he could take India further ahead Arachchige’s turn got the better of him in the seventh over.
As skipper Shreyas Iyer fell for a run-a-ball 13, the responsibility to get India to a winning total fell on Ishan Kishan (80* off 46 balls) and Axar Patel. Kishan, batting at number five, unleashed two glorious maximums to get himself going.
Kishan’s power-packed knock, featuring four boundaries and five sixes, lifted India to 169/7 in their 20 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a forgettable start as Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in the opening over, removing both Sineth Jayawardena and Sohan de Livera for ducks.
Sri Lanka’s troubles deepened when Ravi Bishnoi’s direct hit ran out Lasith Croospulle for another duck, leaving them reeling at 2/3 in 1.1 overs.
Axar Patel then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing skipper Sahan Arachchige and Ashen Bandara to reduce Sri Lanka to 12/5.
A third run-out accounted for Nuwanidu Fernando, the only Sri Lankan batter to reach double digits, as Sri Lanka lost six wickets within the powerplay.
Sri Lanka's chase never really recovered, with spinning all-rounders Washington Sundar and Abhishek Sharma wrapping up the tail to bundle them out for just 45 in 9.4 overs.
Image courtesy: BCCI