India, Pakistan Set Up Blockbuster Final in Asian Games Cricket

XtraTime Web Desk

India and Pakistan will face each other in the final of the Asian Games cricket tournament after India thrashed Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semi-final on Thursday.

Team India produced a dominant all-round performance, first posting 169/7 after opting to bat and then bowling Sri Lanka out for just 45 in 9.5 overs on a turning wicket.

The Indian bowlers were virtually unplayable, with Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Bumrah struck twice in his very first over, putting Sri Lanka under immediate pressure. A run-out in the following over added to Sri Lanka's early troubles as they lost three wickets at the start of their chase.

Axar Patel then made further inroads in the fourth over, picking up two wickets to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 18/5. Abhishek Sharma completed the demolition job by claiming two wickets off consecutive deliveries. The turning track offered considerable assistance to the Indian spinners, leaving the Sri Lankan batters with no opportunity to settle.

Earlier, India also had a lively start with the bat despite Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson failing to make an impact. Youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided the fireworks, smashing 38 off just 21 balls. His innings included four boundaries and two sixes.

In the other semi-final, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets to book their place in the final.

India and Pakistan will now battle for the Asian Games gold medal on Saturday in what promises to be a highly anticipated final.