India retained their Asian Games men’s cricket title with a thrilling 19-run victory over Pakistan in the final match held at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The Indian team, batting first, set a formidable target of 211/6, thanks to a rapid half-century by Abhishek Sharma and a critical late innings surge by Tilak Varma.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting led India to reach 81/2 during the Powerplay, marking their highest Powerplay score against Pakistan in T20 internationals. Despite a mid-innings slowdown due to effective bowling from Pakistan’s Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, and Abrar Ahmed, India managed to regain momentum. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 51 off 22 balls, along with a 62-run partnership with Shivam Dube, who scored 27, helped propel India past the 200-run mark.
In response, Pakistan’s chase was spearheaded by Hasan Nawaz, who played an outstanding innings of 96 not out from 51 balls. His 87-run partnership with Saim Ayub placed India under significant pressure. However, India’s bowlers managed to regain control of the game in the latter part of Pakistan’s innings. Washington Sundar delivered a crucial 18th over, and Jasprit Bumrah maintained the pressure in the penultimate over.
Entering the final over, Pakistan required 33 runs to win. Shivam Dube successfully defended the final six balls, securing India’s 19-run victory and another Asian Games gold medal for the Indian men’s cricket team. This victory further extends India’s dominance over Pakistan in T20 internationals.