Rain-Abandoned Quarter-Finals Set Up India vs Sri Lanka Last-Four Match
India and Sri Lanka are set to meet in the men’s cricket semi-final at the Asian Games 2026 after both teams progressed from rain-affected quarter-finals. The semi-final will bring together defending champions India and Sri Lanka, who advanced after their respective quarter-final matches were abandoned.
India’s quarter-final against Afghanistan was abandoned because persistent rain prevented any play at Korogi Sports Park. As the higher-seeded team, India progressed to the semi-finals under the tournament regulations. Pakistan also advanced through the same rule after its quarter-final against Hong Kong was washed out.
Sri Lanka secured its semi-final place after the quarter-final against Nepal was similarly abandoned without a ball being bowled. Sri Lanka progressed because of its higher seeding, bringing an end to Nepal’s campaign despite Nepal entering the knockout stage unbeaten.
India enter the semi-final as the defending Asian Games champions. The Indian team won the men’s cricket gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, while the current competition has again placed India among the teams competing for the medal positions.
Sri Lanka’s route to the semi-final has been heavily affected by the weather as well. Their quarter-final against Nepal did not produce any competitive cricket, meaning neither side had the opportunity to bat or bowl before the match was abandoned.
The other semi-final will feature Pakistan against Bangladesh. Bangladesh progressed after its quarter-final against Malaysia was also abandoned because of rain, joining India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the final four.
The semi-finals are scheduled for October 1, with the medal matches following on October 3. With the knockout stage now confirmed, India and Sri Lanka will prepare for a direct contest for a place in the Asian Games men’s cricket final.
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