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India and Pakistan will meet in the men’s T20 cricket final at the 2026 Asian Games on October 3 after both sides won their respective semi-finals in contrasting fashion. The gold-medal match will mark the first meeting between the two nations in men’s cricket at the Asian Games.
Defending champions India booked their place with a commanding 124-run victory over Sri Lanka at Korogi Sports Park. Batting first, India posted 169 for seven in 20 overs, led by an unbeaten 80 from Ishan Kishan off 46 balls. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 38 from 21 deliveries to strengthen India’s total.
India’s bowlers then produced a dominant display. Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in the opening over as Sri Lanka’s chase quickly lost momentum. Three run-outs further damaged the innings before Sri Lanka were dismissed for 45 in 9.5 overs. Abhishek Sharma also claimed two wickets from five deliveries.
Pakistan had earlier secured the other final spot by defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened semi-final. The match was reduced to 13 overs per side after a wet outfield delayed play. Bangladesh made 111 for seven, with Towhid Hridoy scoring 42, but Pakistan reached the revised target in 11.3 overs. Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 30 from 15 balls, while spinner Sufyan Moqim took three wickets for 26 runs.
The final will also give India an opportunity to defend the men’s Asian Games cricket title won in 2023. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will contest the bronze-medal match on October 3.