India added another gold medal to its Asian Games 2026 campaign after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at Korogi Park in Nisshin on October 3. Put into bat first, India produced an imposing 211-run total in 20 overs before restricting Pakistan to 192. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive half-century and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 51 formed the backbone of India’s batting effort, while Pakistan’s Hasan Nawaz produced a valiant 96 that ultimately could not take his side over the line.
Abhishek’s explosive start sets up India’s big total
India made its intentions clear from the beginning of the final, with Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opening the innings. Sooryavanshi struck two sixes during his brief stay but was eventually dismissed after scoring 15.
Abhishek, however, transformed the momentum of the innings with a spectacular attacking knock. He smashed 61 runs from only 28 deliveries, putting the Pakistani bowling attack under considerable pressure during the opening phase.
Sanju Samson could not contribute much, departing after scoring just two runs. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan then added 21 and 20 runs respectively, helping India maintain the scoring rate.
The finishing contribution came from Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 51 from just 22 balls. Shivam Dube also played a useful cameo of 27 runs as India accelerated towards 211 in its allotted 20 overs.
For Pakistan, Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets apiece, while Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed picked up one wicket each.
Pakistan stumble early before Nawaz launches a counterattack
Chasing 212 for the gold medal, Pakistan needed a strong beginning, but the pressure of the final quickly became evident. Captain Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 10, while Maaz Sadaqat contributed 23 from 18 balls before returning to the pavilion.
Pakistan suffered another setback when Usman Khan was dismissed for only three runs. With three wickets down, the chase appeared to be slipping away.
Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz then attempted to rebuild the innings. Their partnership provided Pakistan with the stability it desperately needed and kept the chase alive.
Ayub eventually fell for 29, leaving Nawaz with the responsibility of carrying the innings deep into the run chase.
Hasan Nawaz’s 96 keeps Pakistan alive, but India hold their nerve
Nawaz delivered one of the outstanding individual performances of the final, scoring a magnificent 96 from 51 deliveries. His aggressive batting ensured that Pakistan remained in contention despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
However, the enormous target created by India proved too demanding. Pakistan finished its 20 overs at 192, falling 19 runs short of India’s total.
The result gave India another gold medal at the Asian Games and added another memorable chapter to the cricketing rivalry between the two nations. India’s combination of explosive batting at the top, a powerful finish and the ability to withstand Pakistan’s late challenge ultimately proved decisive in the summit clash.
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