{
  "id": 10378546,
  "title": "India reach Asian Games semifinals without playing a single bowl",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/india-reach-asian-games-semifinals-without-playing-a-single-bowl",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T04:45:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/india-reach-asian-games-semifinals-without-playing-a-single-bowl-1.500690177"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai - India secured a spot in the men’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games 2026 without playing any matches, as rain forced the cancellation of their quarterfinal against Afghanistan in Japan. The match was abandoned without a toss due to unplayable conditions on the outfield at Korogi Sports Park. Under the tournament rules, India advanced to the knockout stage as the higher-ranked team, while Afghanistan qualified by finishing second in Group A. This means the defending champions will compete in the semifinals on October 1 against the winner of Tuesday's quarterfinal between Sri Lanka and Nepal. Rain also played a significant role in Pakistan's progression, as their quarterfinal against Hong Kong was also called off due to persistent weather. Both India and Pakistan will face the outcome of the Sri Lanka-Nepal quarterfinal in the semi-finals, potentially setting the stage for an India-Pakistan showdown in the gold-medal match on October 3.",
  "summary": "Dubai: India reached the men’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games 2026 without playing a single ball after rain abandoned their quarterfinal against Afghanistan in Nisshin, Japan, on Monday. Persistent rain left the outfield unplayable at Korogi Sports Park, with the match eventually called off without a toss. Under the tournament rules, the world No. 1 India progressed because they entered…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "India at Asian Games 2026 Day 10, September 28: Full schedule, venue, fixtures & time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/india-at-asian-games-2026-day-10-september-28-full-schedule-venue",
        "published": "2026-09-27T19:17:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Pearly-Thinaah eye final, Malaysia chase more Asian Games gold today",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/pearly-thinaah-eye-final-malaysia-chase-more-asian-games-gold-today",
        "published": "2026-09-27T23:48:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Ansar Iqbal reaches Asian Games long jump final with personal best",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/ansar-iqbal-reaches-asian-games-long-jump-final-with-personal-best",
        "published": "2026-09-28T00:28:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Pearly-Thinaah settle for bronze at Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/pearly-thinaah-settle-for-bronze-at-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-09-28T02:20:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Without a ball bowled, Pakistan advance to Asian Games 2026 semifinals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/without-a-ball-bowled-pakistan-advance-to-asian-games-2026-semifinals",
        "published": "2026-09-28T04:10:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "[Asian Games] S. Korea settles for pistol team silver following shooter's miscue",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/asian-games-s-korea-settles-for-pistol-team-silver-following-shooters",
        "published": "2026-09-28T04:42:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}