India’s top-order batters Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson endured a disappointing outing in the Asian Games 2026 semi-final against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Both experienced campaigners were dismissed cheaply, leaving India two wickets down inside the opening three overs of their chase.
India went into the crucial contest with a strong batting line-up. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returned to the XI and opened alongside Abhishek, while Sanju Samson was promoted to No. 3. Captain Shreyas Iyer followed at No. 4 as India looked to book their place in the gold-medal match.
Sri Lanka handed the new-ball duties to Tharindu Ratnayake, but it was Sahan Arachchige who provided the first breakthrough. Abhishek, who had made seven runs from just three deliveries, started aggressively by clearing the ropes. However, his attempt to create room and loft Arachchige over the off side ended with a thick outside edge.
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The ball travelled towards short third man, where Sineth Jayawardena held on to a sharp catch. Abhishek’s dismissal added to his recent struggles in T20Is outside India. His scores in his last six innings away from home now read 3, 1, 8, 2, 0 and 7, highlighting his lack of consistency in overseas conditions.
Samson walked in at No. 3 but could not stay long either. The wicketkeeper-batter made seven from nine balls before Ratnayake struck in the third over. Samson attempted to make room and guide the ball through the off side, but the delivery skidded through after angling in and beat his defence before crashing into the stumps.
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Abhishek Sharma dismissed for 7 runs, once again by right arm off spinner 🤨
Sanju Samson also dismissed for 7 runs and his flop show continues…. pic.twitter.com/OBmVP65ouF
— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) October 1, 2026
ABHISHEK SHARMA FALLS AFTER A QUICK FIRE! 💥🇱🇰
Drama in the very 2nd over of the #AsianGames2026 Semifinal! Abhishek Sharma showcases his intent instantly, smashing a HUGE SIX, but holes out on the next ball!
Sri Lanka’s spin strategy claims a massive scalp early. The dangerous… https://t.co/7sArPTeK1o pic.twitter.com/vLHGn9YGDW
— Anil Bansal (@dilseanilbansal) October 1, 2026
His dismissal left India reeling at 24/2 and placed greater responsibility on Sooryavanshi and captain Iyer to rebuild the innings.
Sooryavanshi responded with intent, producing a brisk counter-attacking knock. The young left-hander struck six fours and two sixes during his 21-ball stay and appeared capable of changing the momentum in India’s favour.
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However, Sri Lanka once again turned to Arachchige for the breakthrough. In the seventh over, Sooryavanshi charged down the pitch, prompting the bowler to drag the delivery wider. The batter committed to a big shot but could only find a thick outside edge towards short third.
Jayawardena completed another low catch, giving Arachchige his second wicket of the innings. Sooryavanshi departed for a quick 38 off 21 balls, leaving India at 44/3 and Sri Lanka firmly in the contest.
