India retained the Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal on Saturday after a strong all-round display helped them defeat Pakistan by 19 runs at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Key Takeaways:
- India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games men’s cricket final at Korogi Sports Park.
- Abhishek Sharma hit 61 off 28 balls, including the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan in T20Is.
- Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 96 could not prevent Pakistan from falling short in the run chase.
India held off Pakistan by 19 runs to successfully defend their men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games on Saturday.
Pakistan mounted a strong chase through Hasan Nawaz, but India maintained control during the crucial stages. Nawaz remained unbeaten on 96 from 51 deliveries. His effort, however, could not take Pakistan past India’s total.
India posted 211/6 in 20 overs after overcoming a sluggish surface. The batting effort featured aggressive contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.
Abhishek Sets New T20I Record Against Pakistan
Abhishek Sharma provided India with a rapid start. He reached his half-century from only 20 balls.
The effort became the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan in T20 internationals. Abhishek also surpassed his previous 24-ball fifty against Pakistan in Dubai in 2025.
He eventually scored 61 from 28 deliveries. His innings contained three fours and seven sixes.
Tilak Varma then took charge during the later stages of the innings. He completed his own fifty from 21 balls.
Tilak, Dube Power Strong Finish
Tilak and Shiv Dube combined effectively during the closing stages. The pair added 62 runs for the sixth wicket.
Their partnership helped India push beyond the 200-run mark despite the difficult batting conditions.
Tilak remained unbeaten on 51. His late assault gave India a substantial total to defend.
Pakistan Fight Through Hasan Nawaz
Pakistan’s chase remained alive because of Hasan Nawaz’s outstanding innings.
Nawaz struck an unbeaten 96 from 51 balls. Saim Ayub also contributed 29 as Pakistan attempted to stay within reach of India’s target.
India, however, continued to find important wickets and eventually secured a 19-run victory.
Sundar, Axar Lead India’s Bowling Effort
Washington Sundar and Axar Patel produced key breakthroughs during Pakistan’s innings.
Both spinners claimed two wickets each. Their combined bowling figures stood at 2-29 apiece.
Shiv Dube also played a decisive role later in the chase by taking two wickets.
India’s collective bowling effort prevented Hasan Nawaz’s individual brilliance from changing the result.
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 192/9 in 20 overs (Hasan Nawaz 96, Saim Ayub 29; Washington Sundar 2-29, Axar Patel 2-29) by 19 runs. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)