Abhishek Sharma explosive 61 and Tilak Varma unbeaten 51 power India to victory; Hasan Nawaz’s fighting 96 goes in vainNisshin, Japan,
India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday, securing the gold medal for the second consecutive time. Batting first at Korogi Sports Park, India scored 211 for six in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan managed 192 for six, falling short of the 212-run target.Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma Lead India’s BattingIndia did not get off to a strong start, losing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 15 and Sanju Samson for just two runs. Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 21 off 24 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 20 off 18 deliveries.Abhishek Sharma changed the momentum with an aggressive 61 off 28 balls, hitting three fours and seven sixes. His innings gave India the scoring impetus it needed.Vice-captain Tilak Varma delivered a powerful finish, scoring an unbeaten 51 off just 22 balls, including three fours and four sixes. Shivam Dube added 27 runs, and the pair shared a crucial 62-run partnership for the sixth wicket to take India past the 200-run mark.For Pakistan, Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas picked up two wickets each.Hasan Nawaz’s 96 Keeps Pakistan in the HuntChasing 212, Pakistan suffered early setbacks. Sahibzada Farhan scored 10, Usman Khan made three, and Maaz Sadaqat contributed 23 before being dismissed. Pakistan were struggling at 39 for three.Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub then rebuilt the innings with an 87-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ayub scored 29 before Shivam Dube dismissed him.Hasan continued his attacking approach, smashing 96 off 51 balls, including five fours and seven sixes. Despite his outstanding innings, Pakistan could not maintain the required scoring rate and finished at 192 for six.Indian Bowlers Seal the GoldIndia’s bowling attack held firm under pressure. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube claimed two wickets each, preventing Pakistan from completing the chase.India’s 19-run victory secured the gold medal, while Pakistan finished with silver. The final was marked by strong batting performances from both sides, but India’s higher total and disciplined bowling proved decisive.
