Asian Games final, Nagoya, Japan
India 211-6 (20 overs): Abhishek 61 (28), Tilak 51* (22)
Pakistan 192-6 (20 overs): Nawaz 96 (51); Axar 2-29
India won by 19 runs
Scorecard
Blistering half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma propelled India to a commanding total, securing a 19-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan to claim gold at the Asian Games in Nagoya.
Batting first, India posted a formidable 211-6, with Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 61 off 28 balls—including seven sixes—setting the tone from the top of the order. The opening powerplay yielded 81-2, establishing early momentum for the defending champions before Abhishek’s dismissal in the eighth over.
Tilak Varma ensured continuity with an unbeaten 51 from 22 deliveries, smashing three fours and four sixes to maintain the scoring rate. Their partnership laid a solid foundation that proved too challenging for Pakistan to overcome.
Pakistan’s chase faltered from the outset, slipping to 39-3 within the powerplay. Despite Hasan Nawaz’s gritty 96—featuring seven sixes—Pakistan struggled for consistent support and fell 19 runs short, finishing at 192-6 with Nawaz’s dismissal on the final delivery.
Indian bowlers evenly distributed the workload, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each claiming two wickets for 29 runs, while Shivam Dube contributed with 2-33. The collective effort underscored India’s balanced bowling attack.
This triumph marks India’s second consecutive Asian Games gold, adding to their maiden victory four years ago in Hangzhou, China, where they debuted in the men’s tournament.
