India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in Asian Games final thriller to defend cricket gold

India defended their Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal with a 19-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling final at the Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Saturday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India posted 211-6 from their 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma provided the early fireworks with 61 off 28 balls, including seven sixes, while vice-captain Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 51 off 22 deliveries after a middle-order wobble that saw Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson fall early in the powerplay, according to the Indian Express (https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-crush-pakistan-win-asian-games-2026-cricket-gold-medal-10904920/).

Pakistan’s chase stuttered in the powerplay before a fighting unbeaten half-century from Hasan Nawaz — who forged an 87-run stand with Saim Ayub — revived hopes of an upset. But with 33 runs needed from the final over, the target proved beyond reach as Pakistan closed on 192-6, Geo reported (https://www.geo.tv/latest/684814-india-win-toss-elect-to-bat-against-pakistan-in-asian-games-cricket-final).

The win was India’s seventh successive T20I victory over Pakistan since 2021 and their 15th in 18 meetings since 2007, per the Indian Express. It also completed a double sweep for India at the Asiad, with the women’s side having already defended its title from the Hangzhou Games.