NAGOYA, Japan: Pakistan and India have set up a high-profile Asian Games men’s cricket final after securing contrasting victories over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their respective semi-finals on Thursday.
Pakistan reached the title clash after defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened contest, while defending champions India produced a dominant performance to overcome Sri Lanka by 124 runs.
Samad’s late assault takes Pakistan through
Pakistan were pushed under pressure during their 13-over semi-final against Bangladesh at Korogi Sports Park, but Abdul Samad’s explosive finish changed the game.
Chasing 112, Pakistan slipped to 54-4 before Samad and Hasan Nawaz produced an unbeaten 58-run partnership to complete the chase in 11.3 overs.
Samad remained unbeaten on 30 from just 15 balls, while Hasan Nawaz scored 27 not out off 22 deliveries with two fours and two sixes.
The turning point came in the 10th over when Samad attacked Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, scoring 22 runs from five balls. He hit a six over long-on followed by four consecutive boundaries, reducing Pakistan’s target and shifting momentum completely.
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Earlier, Bangladesh posted 111-7 after being asked to bat first. Towhid Hridoy led their innings with 42 off 25 balls, including four sixes and two fours.
Pakistan’s bowlers kept Bangladesh under control, with Sufiyan Muqeem taking three wickets for 26 runs and Arafat Minhas claiming two wickets for 23 runs. Saim Ayub also contributed with figures of 1-3 from two overs.
India cruise past Sri Lanka
India booked their place in the final with a commanding 124-run victory over Sri Lanka.
Batting first, India posted 169-7 in 20 overs, powered by Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 from 46 balls and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 38 off 21 deliveries.
Sri Lanka struggled in reply and were bowled out for 45 in 9.5 overs.
India’s bowling attack dominated the chase, with Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma taking two wickets each.
Gold medal clash awaits
Pakistan and India will now meet in the Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal match on Saturday at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Both teams entered the knockout stage directly after their quarter-final matches were washed out, advancing due to their higher rankings.
The final will mark another major cricket contest between the two Asian rivals, this time with an Asian Games gold medal at stake.
