India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday, October 3, to secure their second consecutive gold medal in the event.
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a formidable 211 for six in 20 overs at Korogi Sports Park. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma played key roles in helping India set Pakistan a challenging target.
Abhishek Sharma produced an explosive innings of 61 runs from 28 balls, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51. Their aggressive batting helped India reach a strong total on a batting-friendly surface.
Pakistan made a determined chase but finished on 192 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Hasan Nawaz led the response with a powerful 96 off 50 balls, including seven sixes and five fours, but his effort was not enough to take Pakistan across the line.
India’s Axar Patel was the standout bowler, claiming two wickets for 29 runs from his four overs. His spell helped India restrict Pakistan and secure a 19-run victory.
India’s women also defended gold
India’s men’s triumph came after the women’s cricket team also successfully defended its gold medal earlier in the Asian Games.
Brief Scores
India: 211/6 in 20 overs
(Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 51 not out; A Minhas 2/25, A Daniyal 2/43)
Pakistan: 192/6 in 20 overs
(Hasan Nawaz 96; Axar Patel 2/29)
Result: India won by 19 runs.
Other Indian performances on Day 14
Earlier on Saturday, Indian archer Neeraj Chauhan defeated compatriot Dhiraj Bommadevara 6-4 to win the bronze medal in the men’s individual recurve event.
In wrestling, Antim Panghal reached the women’s 53kg gold-medal bout after defeating China’s Jin Zhang 6-1 in the semifinal. Aman Sehrawat also advanced to the men’s 57kg gold-medal bout after beating Tajikistan’s Aiaal Belolyubskii 14-8.
In golf, Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal at the Asian Games. India also secured a team silver in the event.
Teenage archer Kumkum Mohod continued her impressive campaign by reaching the women’s individual recurve final after defeating China’s Zhu Jingyi 6-2. The 17-year-old had earlier defeated South Korea’s Kang Chaeyoung in the quarterfinals.