Asian Games 2026: India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to retain men’s cricket gold

Mangalore Today News Network

Nisshin (Japan), Oct 3, 2026: India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs to successfully defend their men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games at Karogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi, on Saturday.

It was a double celebration for India as the women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, had earlier retained its title by defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final.

Batting first, India posted a formidable 211 for six, powered by a blistering 61 off 28 balls from Abhishek Sharma and an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls from Tilak Varma.

Abhishek took the Pakistan spin attack apart, reaching his half-century off just 20 balls. The left-hander, who had also troubled Pakistan during last year’s Asia Cup, continued his aggressive approach and put India in a commanding position.

Ishan Kishan contributed 20 off 18 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer scored 21 off 24. The pair added 35 runs for the fourth wicket before Pakistan’s best bowler, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, dismissed Kishan.

Minhas, who finished with figures of 2/25 from three overs, also accounted for Abhishek after cleverly varying his pace to have the opener stumped.

Tilak then provided the late acceleration, smashing an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls. He was well supported by Shivam Dube, who struck 27 off 15 balls, as India added valuable runs in the final overs.

Chasing 212, Pakistan were restricted to 192 for six despite a fighting 96 from Hasan Nawaz.

The victory secured India’s second consecutive Asian Games men’s cricket gold. At the previous edition in Hangzhou, India were awarded gold after their final against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain, with India prevailing by virtue of their higher ranking.