India secured the gold medal for the second consecutive time by defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the 2026 Asian Games. Batting first after winning the toss at Korogi Sports Park, India posted a total of 211 for 6 in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan could only manage 192 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Alongside the explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, the bowlers played a crucial role in India’s victory.
Abhishek and Tilak steady the Indian innings
India did not get off to a good start, losing the wickets of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson with the score at 51. Vaibhav scored 15 off 9 balls, while Samson managed 2 off 4 balls. Subsequently, Abhishek Sharma steadied the innings by sharing a 42-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Shreyas Iyer.
Abhishek’s explosive half-century off 28 balls
Abhishek Sharma played a magnificent innings, scoring 61 runs off just 28 balls. He hit 7 sixes and 3 fours. He was the third man out, with the team score at 93. Following this, Shreyas Iyer scored 21 off 24 balls, and Ishan Kishan scored 20 off 18 balls.
Tilak Varma scores freely in the final overs
Vice-captain Tilak Varma batted aggressively during the closing stages of the Indian innings. He completed his half-century in 21 balls and finished unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls; his innings included 4 sixes and 3 fours. Tilak shared a 62-run partnership off 30 balls for the sixth wicket with Shivam Dube. Dube scored 27 runs off 15 balls.
India posts a total of 211 runs
After Shivam Dube’s dismissal, Tilak accelerated the scoring rate. Axar Patel remained unbeaten on one run alongside him. India posted a total of 211 for 6 in their 20 overs. For Pakistan, Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets each, while Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket apiece.
Pakistan Off to a Wobbly Start
Chasing a target of 212, Pakistan got off to a poor start. Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 10 off 11 balls, while Usman Khan managed only 3 runs. Maaz Sadaqat scored 23 off 18 balls but failed to play a substantial innings. Pakistan had lost three wickets by the time the score reached 39.
Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub Stabilise the Innings
After the early loss of three wickets, Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub steadied Pakistan’s innings. The duo shared an 87-run partnership off 48 balls for the fourth wicket. Saim Ayub fell to Shivam Dube after scoring 29 runs. Despite this, Hasan Nawaz continued to bat aggressively and quickly brought up his half-century.
96 Runs off 51 Balls, Yet No Victory
Hasan Nawaz played a magnificent innings of 96 runs off 51 balls. He hit 5 fours and 7 sixes, but his effort could not guide Pakistan to the target. Indian bowlers maintained pressure in the final overs, restricting Pakistan to a total of 192 runs.
Axar, Sundar, and Dube Claim Two Wickets Each
For India, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube took two wickets each. The Indian bowlers restricted Pakistan to 192 for 6 in 20 overs, securing a 19-run victory and clinching the gold medal. India Wins Gold for the Second Consecutive Time
By defeating Pakistan, India won the men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games for the second consecutive time. Despite the loss in the final, Pakistan had to settle for the silver medal. For the Indian team, this victory was the result of explosive batting by Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, combined with a balanced performance by the bowlers.
