Asian Games 2026: India beat Pakistan to win gold medal in men's cricket

The Indian men's cricket team secured the gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in the final, taking India's gold tally at the games to 19. 

Batting first, India posted a total of 211 runs in their 20 overs, driven by half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61, and Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 51. In response, Pakistan managed 192 for six in their 20 overs, despite Hasan Nawaz's fighting knock of 96



runs. 

Standout bowling performances by spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who took two wickets each, alongside part-time bowler Shivam Dube's two wickets, helped restrict Pakistan. 

This victory marks India's second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in cricket following their triumph in Hangzhou in 2023. The victory also highlights India's ongoing dominance over Pakistan in the shortest format, having won 15 of their last 18 T20 encounters.