The highly anticipated encounter will be the first time the two countries have faced each other in an Asian Games men’s cricket final, with the gold medal at stake in Nisshin.
India thrash Sri Lanka to reach final
India secured their place in the final with a commanding 124-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second semi-final.
Batting first, India posted 169 for seven, with Ishan Kishan leading the innings with an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also contributed 38 runs.
India’s bowlers then dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, dismissing them for just 45 in 9.5 overs. Jasprit Bumrah took two early wickets, while Abhishek Sharma claimed two wickets in just five deliveries.
The victory kept India on course to defend the men’s cricket gold medal they won at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Pakistan overcome Bangladesh
Pakistan booked their place in the final with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected semi-final, which was reduced to 13 overs per side.
Bangladesh scored 111 for seven, with Towhid Hridoy top-scoring with 42 off 25 balls. Pakistan’s Sufyan Moqim claimed three wickets for 26 runs.
In reply, Pakistan recovered from 53 for four to reach their target of 112 in 11.3 overs. Abdul Samad scored an unbeaten 30 off 15 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained not out on 27 as the pair guided their team home.
The result secured Pakistan’s place in their first-ever Asian Games men’s cricket final.
Final details
• Fixture: India vs Pakistan
• Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
• Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan
• Competition: Asian Games 2026 — Men’s Cricket Final
• Match: Gold-medal decider
India will be aiming to retain their title, while Pakistan will be seeking their first gold medal in the men’s cricket event at the Asian Games.
With the two rivals set to meet on the continental stage, the final will bring the tournament’s men’s cricket competition to a close.