IND VS PAK Asian Games 2026 Final: India produced a commanding performance against Pakistan in the men’s cricket gold-medal match at the Korogi Sports Park on Saturday, defeating their arch-rivals by 19 runs to successfully defend their Asian Games title.
After posting a formidable 211/6 in 20 overs on a batting-friendly surface, India’s bowlers held their nerve to restrict Pakistan to 192/6 despite a stunning late assault from Hasan Nawaz.
The victory also completed a memorable cricket double for India at the Asian Games, with the Indian women’s team having already retained its gold medal earlier in the competition. India’s men now join them as back-to-back Asian Games champions.
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Abhishek, Tilak Power India To 211
India’s decision to bat first paid off as Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma produced the main damage with the bat. Abhishek set the tone with a blistering 61 off 28 balls, combining powerful strokeplay with an aggressive approach against the Pakistan attack.
The left-hander smashed three fours and seven sixes, reaching his half-century in just 20 deliveries. His innings provided India with the early momentum they needed after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Tilak Varma then took charge of the innings and ensured India finished strongly. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls, producing a crucial finishing effort to push India beyond the 200-run mark.
India eventually ended their 20 overs at 211/6, leaving Pakistan with a demanding target of 212.
Hasan Nawaz Keeps Pakistan In The Hunt
Pakistan needed a strong start in the chase, but India’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Hasan Nawaz, however, refused to let the contest slip away easily.
The Pakistan batter launched a remarkable counterattack, scoring 96 from just 50 balls. His innings included seven sixes and five fours and kept Pakistan within touching distance of the target deep into the chase.
India needed wickets at crucial moments, and Axar Patel delivered when it mattered. The left-arm spinner finished with impressive figures of 2/29 from four overs, helping India contain Pakistan's scoring rate during the crucial stages.
Pakistan eventually finished on 192/6 in 20 overs, falling 19 runs short of India’s total.
India Complete Gold-Medal Double
The victory gave India their second consecutive gold medal in the men’s cricket event at the Asian Games.
More importantly, the victory came against Pakistan in the final, making the achievement even more significant for the Indian contingent.