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India will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in the gold-medal match of the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition on October 3 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The summit clash was confirmed after India defeated Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the second semi-final, while Pakistan overcame Bangladesh by six wickets in the first last-four encounter.
India produced a commanding all-round display against Sri Lanka. After being asked to bat first, the Men in Blue posted 169/7, with Ishan Kishan anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also impressed on his Asian Games debut, scoring 38 off 21 deliveries.
The bowling attack then completely dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase. Jasprit Bumrah picked up two early wickets, while Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma also made significant contributions. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for only 45 in 9.5 overs.
With such a convincing performance behind them, India are unlikely to make too many changes for the final. The team management could retain the same combination and give the players another opportunity to deliver on the biggest stage.
Here is India’s predicted playing XI vs Pakistan:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to retain his place at the top of the order after an impressive debut against Sri Lanka.
The teenager showed remarkable confidence during his 38 off 21 balls, taking the attack to the opposition and providing India with momentum during the powerplay. His fearless approach could be particularly useful against Pakistan’s varied bowling attack.
With the final being a high-profile contest, the management could back Sooryavanshi to continue opening alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Abhishek Sharma should continue as India’s second opener and one of their most important all-round options.
Although he was dismissed cheaply with the bat in the semi-final, Abhishek compensated spectacularly with the ball. He picked up two wickets for just two runs from five deliveries as Sri Lanka’s innings collapsed.
His ability to influence the game in both departments makes him difficult to leave out.
Sanju Samson is likely to retain the wicketkeeping duties.
The experienced batter came in at No. 3 against Sri Lanka but was dismissed for 10. Despite the modest contribution, Samson remains an important part of India’s batting structure and could be given another opportunity against Pakistan.
His experience in T20 cricket could be valuable in a pressure-filled final.
Captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to continue at No. 4.
Iyer scored 13 off 13 balls in the semi-final before falling to Sahan Arachchige. However, his leadership and ability to control the middle overs make him a central figure in India’s combination.
He will also have the responsibility of managing a relatively inexperienced group in a high-profile final.
Ishan Kishan was India’s standout batter in the semi-final and should retain his place at No. 5.
The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls, including four fours and five sixes, to rescue India after they slipped to 24/2.
His aggressive strokeplay could be crucial against Pakistan, particularly if India lose early wickets.
Tilak Varma should continue in the middle order.
The left-hander provides India with another technically sound batting option and can handle both pace and spin. His presence also gives the team greater flexibility if the top order fails to provide a strong platform.
Shivam Dube is likely to retain his place as India’s power-hitting all-rounder.
Dube gives Iyer another left-handed batting option while also providing medium-pace bowling. His ability to clear the boundary against spin could become particularly important in the final.
Axar Patel is expected to continue as one of India’s most important all-rounders.
The left-arm spinner played a major role against Sri Lanka, dismissing Sahan Arachchige and Ashen Bandara during a devastating spell in the powerplay.
His economical bowling and lower-order batting make him a key part of India’s balance.
Washington Sundar should retain his place as another spin-bowling all-rounder.
He offers control during the middle overs and adds depth to the batting lineup. His ability to bowl in the powerplay could also give Iyer another tactical option against Pakistan’s aggressive top order.
Ravi Bishnoi is likely to lead the specialist spin department.
The leg-spinner was part of the XI against Sri Lanka and also contributed in the field, helping run out Lasith Croospulle early in the chase.
On a surface where spin has played a significant role, Bishnoi could have an important role in the middle overs.
Jasprit Bumrah will be India’s biggest pace weapon in the final.
He made an immediate impact against Sri Lanka by dismissing Sineth Jayawardena and Sohan de Livera in the opening over.
His experience, accuracy and ability to bowl in pressure situations make him an important part of India’s final XI.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah
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