आशियाई क्रीडा स्पर्धा २०२६: भारताने पाकिस्तानचा १९ धावांनी पराभव...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 3 October 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

India Defends Asian Games Title in Thrilling Gold Medal Clash

The Indian men's cricket team successfully retained its gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, registering a 19-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final on October 3, 2026, at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a formidable total of 211/6 in 20 overs, driven by explosive half-centuries from opener Abhishek Sharma and middle-order batter Tilak Varma.

In reply, Pakistan fought valiantly behind a brilliant 96 off 51 balls from middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz. However, disciplined bowling from Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and all-rounder Shivam Dube restricted Pakistan to 192/6 in their allotted 20 overs, securing India's second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in men's cricket following their triumph in Hangzhou in 2023.

Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma Power India Beyond 200

India's innings got off to an aggressive start as openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (15 off 9) and Abhishek Sharma targeted the Pakistani bowling attack during the powerplay overs. Despite losing Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson (2 off 4) early, Abhishek Sharma maintained an aggressive tempo, reaching his half-century off just 20 deliveries. Sharma scored 61 runs off 28 balls, hitting three boundaries and seven sixes before being stumped off spinner Arafat Minhas.

Following a brief period where Shreyas Iyer (21 off 24) and Ishan Kishan (20 off 18) rebuilt the innings, Tilak Varma provided the final acceleration. Varma struck an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes. He was ably supported by Shivam Dube, who scored a rapid 27 off 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes, helping India cross the 200-run mark. For Pakistan, Arafat Minhas (2/25) and Ahmed Daniyal (2/43) were the most successful bowlers, while Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket each.

Hasan Nawaz's Valiant Knock Falls Short Against Disciplined Indian Attack

Chasing a target of 212, Pakistan suffered early setbacks as off-spinner Washington Sundar removed opener Sahibzada Farhan for 10, and left-arm spinner Axar Patel dismissed Usman Khan (3) and Maaz Sadaqat (23), reducing Pakistan to 42/3 in seven overs. Saim Ayub contributed 29 off 22 balls before falling to Sundar.

Hasan Nawaz then staged a remarkable counter-attack, building partnerships with Abdul Samad (9) and Saad Masood (12*). Operating under high pressure, Nawaz struck five boundaries and seven sixes, bringing Pakistan within striking distance during the closing overs. With 33 runs required off the final over, Dube held his nerve, conceding boundaries but ultimately dismissing Nawaz caught behind off the final ball of the match for 96. Axar Patel finished with figures of 2/29 in four overs, while Washington Sundar (2/29) and Shivam Dube (2/33) also claimed two wickets apiece to seal the victory.

Historical Significance and Medal Tally Impact

The gold medal victory marks India's second consecutive title in Asian Games men's cricket, complementing the gold medal won by the Indian women's team earlier in the competition. The win added to India's growing overall medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, bringing the nation's total to 81 medals, comprising 19 gold, 26 silver, and 36 bronze medals.

Both teams acknowledged the competitive spirit of the final during post-match ceremonies, with the Indian squad taking a victory lap at Korogi Sports Park to thank supporters. The result reinforces India's dominance in regional T20 cricket, while highlighting promising performances from young talents on both sides.