India and Pakistan set up Asian Games cricket final showdown amid political tensions

India and Pakistan are set to face off in the Asian Games cricket final on Saturday in Japan, following their respective semi-final victories. Both teams secured their spots by overcoming Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in close matches. Political tensions between the nuclear-armed nations will cast a shadow over the match, as players have refused to engage in traditional customs such as shaking hands before or after games due to the strained relations.

Despite avoiding handshakes and trophy acceptance from their counterparts, India clinched a convincing 124-run win over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan edged out Bangladesh by six wickets in a shortened 13-over-per-innings match. The Indian men's team has won three Asia Cup finals against Pakistan, but the teams declined to accept the trophy or shake hands in all three encounters.

Similarly, India's women's team also refused to shake hands with Pakistan during a continental championship match. Ishan Kishan's impressive 80 off 46 balls, supported by youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 38-run contribution, propelled India to a commanding 169-7 in the second semi-final. In contrast, Sri Lanka's bowlers faltered, dismissing the visitors for a lowly 45 in just 9.5 overs.

Pakistan's Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 80 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 38 runs fueled India's 169-7 total, while Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled to contain the hosts.