Table of Contents
India National Cricket Team star batters Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson failed to make an impact in the Asian Games 2026 semi-final against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Both batters were dismissed cheaply as India lost two wickets inside the first three overs.
India entered the semi-final with a strong batting combination, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Sanju Samson came in at No. 3. Shreyas Iyer led the side, with the team aiming to secure a place in the gold-medal match.
Abhishek Sharma fails in Asian Games semifinal
India began their chase with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma at the crease. Tharindu Ratnayake opened the bowling for Sri Lanka, but it was Sahan Arachchige who gave India their first major setback.
Abhishek Sharma managed just seven runs from three deliveries. After hitting a six, he attempted to create room against Arachchige and loft the ball over the off side. However, the left-hander only managed a thick outside edge, which went straight to Sineth Jayawardena at short third.
Abhishek's dismissal continued a difficult run for him in T20Is outside India. His scores in his last six T20I innings away from home are:
3
1
8
2
0
7
Sanju Samson struggles in Asian Games semifinal
Sanju Samson also failed to make a significant contribution after coming in at No. 3. The India wicketkeeper-batter scored seven runs from nine balls before Tharindu Ratnayake removed him in the third over.
Samson tried to make room and play the ball towards the off side, but the delivery skidded on after coming in with the angle. It went through his defence and crashed into the stumps, leaving India 24/2.
With both experienced batters back in the dressing room, the responsibility shifted to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and captain Shreyas Iyer. Vaibhav, who was recalled to the playing XI for the semi-final, provided the early momentum with an aggressive innings.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi falls after promising cameo
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also failed to convert his quick start into a bigger score in the semifinal. The young left-hander looked aggressive during his 21-ball stay and struck six fours and two sixes, but Sri Lanka found a way to end his innings before he could take the game away.
Sahan Arachchige, who had already dismissed Abhishek Sharma, produced another important breakthrough in the seventh over. Vaibhav charged down the track, but Arachchige spotted the movement and bowled the ball wider. The batter went for a big shot but only managed a thick outside edge towards short third man, where Sineth Jayawardena completed a low catch.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 38 off 21 balls, leaving India at 44/3.
Sanju Samson speaks on India's dominance in cricket
Before the semi-final, Samson spoke about India's strong cricketing structure and the consistent efforts being made to develop players across different levels. He highlighted domestic tournaments such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy, while also pointing towards India's Under-19 programme. Samson said:
"We have been constantly making great efforts to go out and play all the domestic matches whenever we get a chance, and that's where we tend to develop a lot of talents also. So our grooming teams are really nicely placed - actually the Mushtaq Ali, the Vijay Hazare, the Ranji Trophy.
"The Under-19 (teams) are traveling abroad every season. A great amount of cricketers are coming from (there). So which is a great thing for our country, and we will keep doing our best."
Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returns to India Playing XI for Asian Games semi-final
