India and Pakistan are set to battle for the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, but persistent rain in Nisshin could throw a major twist into Saturday’s summit clash.India booked their place in the final with a commanding 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the semi-final. After being asked to bat, Shreyas Iyer‘s side posted 169/7 in 20 overs before Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma claimed two wickets each to bowl Sri Lanka out for just 45.The victory guaranteed India at least a silver medal, but the team will now be hoping the weather does not prevent them from competing for gold against arch-rivals Pakistan.
What happens if rain washes out India vs Pakistan final?
The weather forecast in Nisshin could be a concern. According to AccuWeather, there is a 62% chance of rain in the morning on Saturday, with the probability expected to fall to 25% in the afternoon. The temperature is likely to remain around 20 degrees Celsius, while cloud cover is expected to be about 37%.If rain prevents the final from producing a result, the rules for the 2026 Asian Games are different from those used at the previous edition.At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India’s men’s team won the gold medal after the final against Afghanistan was washed out. India were declared champions because they were the higher-ranked T20I side.That rule does not apply in Nisshin.Under the regulations for the ongoing edition, if the final is abandoned without a result, the gold medal will be shared by India and Pakistan. Both finalists would therefore be declared joint gold medallists.
India enter final after dominant semi-final
India’s route to the final was emphatic. Iyer and Co. recovered to post 169/7 after being sent in by Sri Lanka, with Ishan Kishan playing a key role in the innings.The bowlers then made short work of the Sri Lankan chase. Bumrah, Axar and Abhishek picked up two wickets apiece as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 45, giving India a 124-run victory.Pakistan also reached the final after winning their semi-final, setting up the first meeting between the two sides in the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games.For India, the stakes are particularly significant. They are the defending champions and have brought a full-strength team to Japan, including pace spearhead Bumrah. A victory would allow them to retain the gold medal they won at Hangzhou.But if the rain has the final say and no result is possible, neither side will take gold outright. The 2026 Asian Games rules mean India and Pakistan will share the gold medal.
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