Nishin, Japan: India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games cricket final to claim the gold medal.
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted 211 for 6 in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma led the scoring with a blistering 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma completed a rapid half-century from 20 deliveries.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a difficult start. Sahibzada Farhan scored 10 off 11 balls before departing, while Maaz Sadaqat contributed 23. Usman Khan was dismissed for 3, leaving Pakistan under pressure.
Hasan Nawaz kept Pakistan in the contest with an outstanding 96, hitting five fours and seven sixes. Saim Ayub also contributed 29, but Pakistan ultimately finished 19 runs short, with Nawaz dismissed off the final delivery.
For Pakistan, Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Daniyal claimed two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub took one apiece.
India’s victory secured the Asian Games cricket gold medal, while Pakistan finished with the silver medal.