India Post 169 as They Chase a Cricket Gold Medal Rematch at the Asian Games

India's defending champions took a significant step toward defending their Asian Games cricket title on Thursday.

Captain Shreyas Iyer's India posted 169 for 7 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka in the men's cricket semi-final at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan — part of a results-heavy Day 13 at the 2026 Asian Games. With India's innings complete, Sri Lanka now face a genuine chase to reach the gold medal match, needing 170 to advance and end India's title defense.

In the earlier semi-final of the day, Pakistan secured their spot in the gold medal match with a comfortable six-wicket win over Bangladesh, chasing down a target of 112 with nine balls to spare. Bangladesh had posted 111 for 7 in their 13 overs before Pakistan's batting lineup made comparatively light work of the target.

The results set up a cricket gold medal final between Pakistan and the winner of India's clash with Sri Lanka, scheduled for later in the tournament — with the losing semi-finalists meeting separately in the bronze medal match.

India enter the tournament as defending Asian Games cricket champions, having claimed gold at the previous edition in Hangzhou. A win over Sri Lanka today would set up another shot at continental gold, continuing what's already been a strong overall showing for Indian cricket across both the men's and women's competitions at this year's Games.

The men's cricket event, running from September 24 through October 3 at Kōrogi Sports Park, marks one of several high-profile team sports headlining India's packed schedule on Day 13 of the Games, alongside hockey and volleyball fixtures also taking place the same day.

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