Pakistan Fall 19 Runs Short As India Win Asian Games Cricket Final

NAGOYA: Pakistan fell 19 runs short in their chase as India defeated them in the Asian Games men’s cricket final at Korogi Sports Park, securing the gold medal after a high-scoring contest. Chasing India’s 212-run target, Pakistan finished on 192-6 despite a brilliant 96-run knock from Hasan Nawaz.

India, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, set Pakistan a challenging target of 212 runs. Tilak Varma led the Indian innings with an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma provided a powerful start with 61 from 28 deliveries, including three fours and seven sixes.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 15 off nine balls, while Shivam Dube added a quick 27 from 15 balls. Ishan Kishan scored 10 off 18 deliveries before being dismissed, with India eventually reaching 211-6 at the end of their innings. Pakistan’s Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets each.

Chasing 212, Pakistan lost early wickets but Hasan Nawaz kept their hopes alive with a brilliant 96 off 51 balls. The right-hander smashed five fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 188.24, leading Pakistan’s fightback.

Saim Ayub also played an attacking knock, scoring 29 off 22 balls with two fours and a six, while Maaz Sadaqat contributed 23 off 18 deliveries. However, India’s bowling attack held their nerve in the closing stages to restrict Pakistan to 192-6.

For India, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube took two wickets each. Despite Hasan Nawaz’s late resistance and a spirited chase, Pakistan fell short by 19 runs as India claimed the Asian Games men’s cricket title.

Earlier, Pakistan need 136 runs from 60 balls to win the Asian Games men’s cricket final after reaching 76-3 at the end of 10 overs in their chase of India’s 211-run target at Korogi Sports Park. Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub remained at the crease, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive in the gold medal contest.

Pakistan restricted India to 211-6 in 20 overs after India opted to bat first in the Asian Games men’s cricket final at Korogi Sports Park, setting up a challenging chase in the gold medal contest.

India made a strong start after being sent in to bat, with their top order maintaining a high scoring rate. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent India from building an even bigger total.

Abhishek Sharma was India’s top scorer, smashing 61 runs off 28 balls with three fours and seven sixes. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes, while Shivam Dube contributed 27 off 15 deliveries with two fours and two sixes.

Pakistan removed India’s early threat when Vaibhav Suryavanshi was dismissed for 15 off 9 balls by Saim Ayub. Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 21 off 24 balls before being dismissed by Abrar Ahmed, while wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson fell for two runs.

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Ahmed Daniyal, who claimed 2-43 in three overs, while Arafat Minhas also took two wickets, conceding 25 runs in three overs. Abrar Ahmed picked up one wicket for 29 runs in four overs, and Saim Ayub finished with 1-47 in four overs.

India finished their innings at 211-6, leaving Pakistan with a demanding target in the Asian Games gold medal match. The Pakistani batting side will now need a strong performance to chase down the total and secure the title.

Earlier, India reached 114-3 after 10 overs against Pakistan in the Asian Games men’s cricket final at Korogi Sports Park. Having opted to bat first, India put up a strong batting display in the opening half of their innings, keeping the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace.

Pakistan will look for quick wickets in the remaining overs to restrict India’s total in the gold medal clash.

India won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the Asian Games men’s cricket final at Korogi Sports Park, choosing to set a target in the gold medal contest.

The final brings together two of cricket’s biggest rivals, with Pakistan and India competing for the Asian Games title after contrasting semi-final victories.

Pakistan reached the final after defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-affected semi-final. In a 13-over contest, Bangladesh posted 111-7 before Pakistan chased down the target in 11.3 overs.

Abdul Samad played the match-winning role with an unbeaten 30 off 15 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained not out on 27 as Pakistan recovered from early setbacks to seal their place in the final.

India booked their spot in the gold medal match after a dominant semi-final performance against Sri Lanka. India posted 169-7, powered by Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 off 46 balls and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 38 from 21 deliveries. Their bowlers then dismissed Sri Lanka for 45 runs to complete a 124-run victory.

Pakistan vs India T20 rivalry

The two sides have a long history in the shortest format, having faced each other multiple times in T20 internationals. India have held the advantage in their overall T20I meetings, with the rivalry featuring memorable encounters at major tournaments including the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup.

The Asian Games final will add another chapter to the rivalry, with both teams aiming to secure a major continental title.