India hammered Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the second semifinal of the Asian Games men's cricket event.
India hammered Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the second semifinal of the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket event at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin on Thursday (October 1), setting up a gold medal clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Invited to bat first, India posted 169/7 on the board, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 off 46 balls. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also played a valuable knock of 21-ball 38 at the top of the order.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s innings folded for a paltry 45 in 9.5 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma picked up two wickets each for India.
Speaking after the win, Axar reflected on the team’s complete performance, emphasizing that players stayed focused despite a long rain break before the match.
“Obviously, we had been waiting for quite a few days to play. You know, it was raining and the matches weren't happening, but kudos to the team because when the match happened, I think everyone was switched on. To put in such a performance after a long break, I think everyone did a very commendable job overall,” Axar said.
After watching Pakistan and Bangladesh play on the same wicket, Axar revealed India estimated that 140-150 would be a winning score due to the visible drift, turn, and bounce.
“I think Pakistan and Bangladesh also played on the same wicket, so we had seen that and estimated that 140-150 could be a winning total. So when we got 160 (169), we thought we were somewhere around 10-15 runs above par. When the match started, we were thinking 140-150. The way things were happening in the first match, and the ball was moving with drift, turn and bounce, we felt that 140 to 150 would be a winning score,” he added.
The spin all-rounder stated that he isn’t sure which of the venue's three wickets will host the India-Pakistan gold-medal fixture.
“No, so far we don't have any idea which wicket the final will be played on. We had spoken about it, but it hasn't been confirmed yet. But as you have seen, the venue has three wickets, and all three wickets are similar, with cracks on them. So I think they will behave similarly, whichever wicket we play on. Whether we play on the adjacent wicket or the same wicket, I think it will behave similarly,” he remarked.
Axar mentioned that cricket is still a developing sport in Japan, so the immediate local setup is highly commendable. To manage their meals, he said the team has been getting packed food from three or four high-quality Indian restaurants in the area.
“There are Indian restaurants here, and we are getting packed food from them and eating that. But yes, we are getting food. There are three or four good Indian restaurants, and they make good food, so we are having packed food from them. But it's very good. Obviously, cricket isn't played that much in Japan, but I think the job they are doing is very commendable. In terms of the ground and the atmosphere, I think they are doing a very good job within their capabilities. And in the coming years, I think it will be upgraded and they will provide even better conditions (for cricket),” he stated.
Axar Patel noted that the experience at the Games Village is completely different from traditional, bilateral cricket tours to places like Australia or England. Being surrounded by diverse athletes and wearing an official Games ID card—which changes how people perceive you in public—has been a unique and refreshing experience for him.
“I think the first experience has been very good. It's a different experience. Earlier, when we travelled with the team to Australia, England and other places, it was a different experience. But being here with (other) athletes during these Games, and coming here to play at the Asian Games, you know, everyone has an ID card, and people look at you differently when they see it because they know you are an athlete. It's the first time I've experienced something like this. Even when you are walking around, if you have an ID card, people look at you differently and think, "Oh, he's an athlete." So that's been a different experience,” he said.
While Axar highlighted that playing for the BCCI is always an honour, competing under the broader national banner at the Asian Games brings a different kind of pride. He expressed that winning a gold medal for India would be a deeply important and historic milestone for the entire squad.
“If you win gold, it's a different experience. Yes, we have won the World Cup and other tournaments, but when you play for India, obviously, when you play with the BCCI, you are also playing for India. But this is different because you are being awarded a gold medal and you have come to play for your country at the Asian Games. It's a new experience, and I think it's very important. The way we are playing our cricket, I think we have a good chance of winning gold, and it's a very good opportunity. For me, it would be a very proud moment,” he concluded.