Asian Games: India Beat Pakistan by 19 Runs to Defend Men’s Cricket Gold

India produced an all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 19 runs in the men's cricket final at the Asian Games on Saturday, successfully defending the gold medal they won in the previous edition.

Chasing India's imposing 211/6, Pakistan remained in contention for much of the run chase through a spectacular unbeaten 96 from Hasan Nawaz. However, India's bowlers held their nerve in the crucial stages to restrict Pakistan to 192/7 in 20 overs.

Washington Sundar and Axar Patel led India's bowling effort with two wickets apiece, while Shivam Dube also struck twice in the latter stages to close out the contest.

India had earlier overcome a challenging surface to post a formidable total, with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma providing the momentum at opposite ends of the innings.

Abhishek launched India's innings into high gear, recording the fastest fifty by an Indian batter against Pakistan in men's T20Is. He reached the landmark in just 20 balls, surpassing his previous 24-ball fifty against Pakistan in Dubai in 2025.

The left-hander went on to smash 61 from just 28 deliveries, hitting three fours and seven sixes. His aggressive innings gave India the platform to maintain a high scoring rate despite the sluggish conditions.

Tilak Varma then took charge during the closing stages. He completed his half-century from only 21 balls and remained unbeaten on 51. His partnership with Shivam Dube yielded 62 runs for the sixth wicket, ensuring India finished strongly at 211/6.

Pakistan's chase revolved around Hasan Nawaz, who produced a remarkable counter-attacking innings of 96 not out from 51 balls. Saim Ayub contributed 29, but Pakistan struggled to maintain the required scoring rate as India's bowlers consistently picked up wickets at key moments.

Sundar and Axar both finished with two wickets for 29 runs, while Dube's late strikes effectively ended Pakistan's hopes of completing the chase.

The victory gives India another men's cricket gold at the Asian Games and extends their success in the format at the continental event.

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 192/7 in 20 overs (Hasan Nawaz 96 not out, Saim Ayub 29; Washington Sundar 2-29, Axar Patel 2-29) by 19 runs.