Asian Games: India defeat Pakistan by 19 runs to retain men’s cricket gold

Nisshin: India successfully defended their Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal after beating Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling final at Korogi Sports Park on Saturday.

Pakistan’s Hasan Nawaz produced a valiant unbeaten 96 off 51 balls to keep his team in the contest, but India’s all-round bowling effort prevented the chase from reaching its target.

Washington Sundar and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each, while Shivam Dube also struck twice during the latter stages of Pakistan’s innings as India restricted their opponents after posting 211/6 in 20 overs.

Earlier, India overcame a sluggish playing surface with an explosive batting display, led by Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.

Abhishek smashed the fastest half-century by an Indian against Pakistan in T20 internationals, reaching his fifty from just 20 balls. He bettered his previous mark of 24 balls, which he had set against Pakistan in Dubai in 2025.

The opener went on to score 61 off 28 deliveries, hitting three fours and seven sixes, providing India with a rapid start.

Tilak Varma then produced a blistering late assault, bringing up his half-century in only 21 balls. He remained unbeaten on 51 and combined with Shivam Dube for a crucial 62-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping India finish strongly at 211/6.

Pakistan’s chase was largely driven by Hasan, who single-handedly kept the required run rate within reach. He remained unbeaten on 96 from 51 balls, but lacked sufficient support as India’s bowlers consistently struck at key moments.

Saim Ayub contributed 29, while Washington and Axar finished with identical figures of 2-29.

For Pakistan, Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Daniyal took two wickets each for 25 and 43 runs, respectively.

India’s victory secured a second consecutive Asian Games men’s cricket gold, adding another major achievement to the country’s campaign.

Brief scores: India 211/6 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 51 not out; Arafat Minhas 2-25, Ahmed Daniyal 2-43) beat Pakistan 192/8 in 20 overs (Hasan Nawaz 96 not out, Saim Ayub 29; Washington Sundar 2-29, Axar Patel 2-29) by 19 runs.