Asian Games 2026: Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 38 help India post 169/7 against Sri Lanka in the semifinal.

Asian Games 2026: India posted 169 for seven against Sri Lanka in the second men’s cricket semifinal at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Ishan Kishan produced a crucial unbeaten knock of 80 from 46 deliveries, while young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added a rapid 38 off 21 balls to give India a competitive total on a spin-friendly surface.

Kishan Leads India’s Fightback

Batting was not straightforward on a pitch offering considerable turn, but Ishan Kishan adapted well to the conditions. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 80 from 46 balls and provided India with the late acceleration they needed.

Kishan targeted the spinners with straight-hitting rather than relying heavily on cross-batted strokes. Four of his six sixes came in the region between long-on and long-off, while he also struck four boundaries.

Sooryavanshi Provides Early Momentum

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again showcased his attacking ability, scoring 38 from just 21 balls. The 15-year-old kept the scoreboard moving despite India’s early setbacks and put the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure.

He attacked Binura Fernando with a lofted shot over mid-off before finding the boundary again with a low full toss. Against Tharindu Ratnayake, Sooryavanshi produced an impressive reverse sweep and later cleared long-on for six.

Sri Lanka’s Spinners Create Problems

Sri Lanka opted to bowl first and quickly recognised that the surface was assisting spin. The visitors relied heavily on their spinners, with only limited use of pace during the opening overs.

India lost Abhishek Sharma after he scored seven from three balls. He attempted to create room but ended up giving a catch at short third man. Sanju Samson was next to depart for seven, beaten by a straighter delivery from the ambidextrous Tharindu Ratnayake.

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India Lose Key Wickets

Despite Sooryavanshi’s aggressive approach, India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. His dismissal also came at short third man after he tried to attack the bowlers.

The wickets of captain Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel during the middle overs further slowed India’s scoring rate. With Sri Lanka’s spinners maintaining pressure, India needed someone to take control of the final phase.

Kishan Changes the Momentum

That responsibility fell to Kishan, who shifted gears in the closing overs. Instead of attempting risky horizontal shots, he repeatedly targeted the straight boundaries and punished the spinners.

His unbeaten 80 proved decisive in pushing India towards a competitive total. Combined with Sooryavanshi’s quickfire 38, Kishan’s innings helped India finish at 169 for seven after 20 overs.

Sri Lanka Face 170-Run Target

Sri Lanka now need 170 runs to reach the final of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026. India’s bowlers will look to make full use of the turning conditions as the semifinal moves into the chase.