India walk into the second semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket event as clear favourites against Sri Lanka. The defending gold medallists have brought a full strength T20I squad for this campaign, while Sri Lanka have sent a second string side led by Sahan Arachchige. Both teams reached the last four without playing a quarter-final, as rain washed out both matches and let the higher seeded sides through.
Shreyas Iyer's team went through a rough patch after the T20 World Cup, losing series to Ireland and England, before bouncing back with series wins over Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. India also got a scare from hosts Japan in their earlier game at Sano, which turned out to be useful practice in these conditions ahead of the knockout stage.
India vs Sri Lanka Playing 11
Jasprit Bumrah is set to return for India after being rested in the previous game against Japan. India's probable XI reads Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.
Sri Lanka have no injury concerns heading into the game. Their probable XI is Sahan Arachchige (captain), Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Tharindu Ratnayake, Binura Fernando, Vijaykanth Viyaskanth and Nuwan Thushara.
IND vs SL 2nd Semi-Final Pitch Report and Weather Forecast
Group stage matches at Korogi Sports Park have shown a slow surface that helps spinners. Days of rain before the game could slow the pitch down further and make the outfield sluggish too. The weather forecast is on the brighter side though, with only a 10 percent chance of rain on match day. If the game does get washed out, India will enter the final directly.
Head to Head Record Between India and Sri Lanka
India hold a strong record over Sri Lanka in T20 cricket. The two sides have met 33 times in the format, with India winning 23 games and Sri Lanka winning 9. One match ended with no result. The numbers show India going in with a clear edge, on top of fielding the stronger squad on paper for this semi-final.
IND vs SL 2nd Semi-Final Live Streaming
Fans in India can catch the match live on the Sony Sports Network on TV, with streaming available through the SonyLIV app and website. The game starts at 1:30 PM local time in Nisshin, which works out to 10:00 AM IST back home. Sony Pictures Networks India holds the exclusive broadcast and digital rights for the entire Asian Games 2026.
IND vs SL 2nd Semi-Final Match Prediction
India go in as big favourites given their full strength squad, the return of Bumrah, and a pitch that should suit their spin options well. Sri Lanka, playing with a second string team, will have to rely on individual performances to cause an upset, something Japan nearly managed against India earlier in the tournament. Barring a repeat of that scare or a washout that sends India through anyway, India look set to continue their defence of the Asian Games gold medal.
