India Retain Asian Games Cricket Gold
By:Shakeel Ur Rehman
NISSHIN, JAPAN: India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling men’s cricket final at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday to retain the gold medal, with Pakistan securing silver.
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted 211 for six in 20 overs at Korogi Sports Park. Opener Abhishek Sharma led the scoring with an explosive 61 off 28 balls, including three fours and seven sixes.
Pakistan fought back with timely wickets, with Arafat Minhas taking two for 25 and Ahmed Daniyal claiming two for 43.
Tilak Varma then provided India with a powerful finish, remaining unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls, including three fours and four sixes, as India crossed the 200-run mark.
Chasing 212 for gold, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals but stayed in contention through a superb innings from Hasan Nawaz. He smashed 96 off 51 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes.
India’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs to restrict Pakistan to 192 for six in 20 overs, securing a 19-run victory.
The win gave India their second consecutive Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal, while Pakistan took silver.
Despite the defeat, Hasan Nawaz’s outstanding 96 was a major highlight of Pakistan’s performance in the final.
India: 211-6 (20 overs)
Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 51*
Arafat Minhas 2-25, Ahmed Daniyal 2-43
Pakistan: 192-6 (20 overs)
Hasan Nawaz 96
Result: India won by 19 runs
