Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 80 helps India set 170-run target for Sri Lanka
Ishan Kishan's brilliant unbeaten 80 runs propelled India to 169/7, setting a 170-run target for Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 semi-final.
The Indian men's cricket team has posted a competitive total of 169/7 in the second semi-final of the Asian Games 2026, setting Sri Lanka a target of 170 runs to reach the gold medal match. In a high-stakes encounter at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Ishan Kishan played a masterful innings to anchor the defending champions' effort.
Kishan's explosive knock drives India's total
After being put in to bat, India faced an early wobble. The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struggled to find rhythm against the Sri Lankan attack. Abhishek fell for just seven runs after a brief cameo, and Sanju Samson followed shortly after, also managing only seven. Captain Shreyas Iyer and the teenage prodigy Sooryavanshi managed to steady the ship with a 35-run partnership, with Sooryavanshi showing glimpses of brilliance by hitting three consecutive boundaries against Tharindu Ratnayake.
However, the momentum shifted back to Sri Lanka after the powerplay when Sahan Arachchige dismissed Sooryavanshi, causing the run rate to dip significantly. The middle order struggled against the Lankan spinners, with Shreyas Iyer departing for 13 and Axar Patel making a difficult exit for eight. Even Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube failed to make an impact, with Dube falling for just three runs.
Ishan Kishan turned the tide with a blistering performance. He reached his half-century with a towering six and maintained his aggression throughout the death overs. Kishan finished with an unbeaten 80 runs off just 46 deliveries, an innings decorated with five massive sixes and four boundaries. A late six from Washington Sundar helped push the final score to 169/7.
The road to the Gold Medal
The stage is now set for a thrilling finish as India looks to defend this total. The defending champions will rely heavily on the pace of Jasprit Bumrah and the precision of their spin department to restrict Sri Lanka on a pitch that shows signs of uneven patches.
The stakes could not be higher for both sides:
- The Winner: Will advance to face Pakistan in the gold medal match on Saturday.
- The Challenge: Sri Lanka must chase 170 against a potent Indian bowling attack.
- The Goal: India aims to retain their Asian Games title.