India and Sri Lanka set for Asian Games cricket final

India and Sri Lanka will contest the women's cricket gold medal final at the 2026 Asian Games on Tuesday, September 22, after both teams secured decisive semifinal victories on Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM IST at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. India advanced to the final by defeating Bangladesh by 114 runs in the first semifinal. Batting first, India posted 195 for four in their 20 overs, anchored by a sensational unbeaten century from opener Shafali Verma. Verma scored 100 off 49 balls, including three fours and nine sixes, marking the first century in Asian Games cricket history. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 40 off 33 balls, while Smriti Mandhana added a rapid 37 from 19 deliveries. Bangladesh were bowled out for 81 in 15.4 overs, with Nandini Sharma and Deepti Sharma each claiming three wickets. Sri Lanka reached the final by chasing down Pakistan's total of 177 for four with eight wickets and 13 balls to spare. Captain Chamari Athapaththu led the chase with an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls, hitting seven fours and six sixes. Hasini Perera provided strong support with 42 off 26 balls.