India-Sri Lanka Semi-Final: Vaibhav’s Fireworks Win Japanese Hearts, But India Lose Six Wickets for 125 Runs
Nishin: In the men’s T20 semi-final of the Asian Games in Japan, India lost six wickets for 125 runs in 15 overs after being asked to bat first against Sri Lanka. Vaibhav Suryavanshi entertained the Japanese spectators with a spectacular display of strokeplay, although the teenage sensation was dismissed for a modest 38.
The 15-year-old star smashed 38 runs off just 20 balls, including two sixes and six fours. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first.
Abhishek, Samson Fall Cheaply
Vaibhav opened the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, but Abhishek was dismissed for seven runs, followed by Sanju Samson, who also made seven. Captain Shreyas Iyer then joined Vaibhav at the crease.
After Vaibhav’s dismissal, Ishan Kishan came in to bat with Shreyas. However, Shreyas, Axar Patel and Tilak Varma all departed cheaply, leaving Ishan Kishan batting on 47 runs.
Pakistan had earlier booked their place in the final by defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-affected first semi-final, which was reduced to 13 overs per side. Bangladesh managed only 111 for seven in 20 overs, with Pakistan’s two spinners, Sufiyan Muqeem taking three wickets and Arafat Minhas claiming two.
Pakistan chased down the target in 11.3 overs, scoring 112 for four with nine balls to spare. Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 30, while Hasan Nawaz finished unbeaten on 27.
If India defeat Sri Lanka today, India will face Pakistan in the final on Saturday at 10:00 am.
India’s team, led by Shreyas Iyer, includes Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.
Sri Lanka are led by Sahan Arachchige and their squad includes familiar names such as Binura Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella and Ashen Bandara.
Rain has disrupted several matches in Nishin. If Saturday’s final is washed out and cannot be played, India and Pakistan will have to share the gold medal.