Pakistan and India are on a collision course for what promises to be an electrifying Asian Games cricket final on Saturday, after both nations secured commanding semi-final victories in contrasting fashion on Thursday in Japan.
Pakistan overcame early batting jitters to defeat Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened 13-over contest at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Chasing a modest target of 112 runs, Pakistan stumbled badly at 53-4 before Abdul Samad unleashed a match-winning assault that left Bangladesh’s bowlers shell-shocked.
The 23-year-old all-rounder remained unbeaten on 30 from just 15 deliveries, combining with Hasan Nawaz in an unbroken 59-run partnership that turned the match decisively in Pakistan’s favour. Samad’s explosive tenth over against Mustafizur Rahman proved the turning point, as he plundered 22 runs from five balls including one towering six and four consecutive boundaries.
Hasan Nawaz provided steady support at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 27 off 22 balls as Pakistan reached their target with nine balls remaining. Earlier, captain Sahibzada Farhan fell cheaply for one, while Saim Ayub contributed a brisk 21 off 12 balls before departing.
Bangladesh had posted 111-7 in their 13 overs after being asked to bat first, with Towhid Hridoy top-scoring with 42 off 25 balls. Pakistan’s spinners kept Bangladesh in check throughout, with Sufyan Moqim claiming three wickets and Arafat Minhas taking two.
Meanwhile, defending champions India delivered a ruthless performance against Sri Lanka, crushing them by 124 runs in a one-sided encounter. India posted a challenging 169-7 after Ishan Kishan smashed an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls, while 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced his arrival on the international stage with a fearless 38 from 21 deliveries.
Sri Lanka’s response collapsed spectacularly as they were bundled out for just 45 in 9.5 overs, their lowest total in men’s T20 international cricket. The carnage included three run-outs as Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Abhishek Sharma each claimed two wickets.
The stage is now set for Saturday’s final at Korogi Sports Park, where Pakistan and India will battle for gold in what promises to be a ratings blockbuster. The two nations only meet in international tournaments due to longstanding political tensions, making every encounter a matter of intense national pride.
Both teams advanced to the semi-finals after quarter-final matches were washed out by rain, with progression determined by higher rankings. Pakistan batsman Saim Ayub downplayed the rivalry narrative, insisting his team’s sole focus is winning the final regardless of the opponent.
For cricket fans across Pakistan, Saturday’s showdown represents the ultimate test of national sporting pride. With hundreds of millions expected to tune in across both countries, the final will be played at a modest venue that was once a baseball field but will now host one of cricket’s most anticipated clashes.
