India clinched the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in a high-scoring final in Japan on Saturday, October 3.

Batting first after winning the toss, India posted an imposing 211/6 in 20 overs, powered by impressive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. Pakistan fought back during the chase but finished at 192/6, handing India the gold medal.

Abhishek Sharma Gives India Flying Start

Abhishek Sharma provided India with early momentum, smashing 61 runs from just 28 balls. His aggressive innings included three fours and seven sixes and helped India put Pakistan’s bowling attack under pressure from the opening overs.

Tilak Varma then delivered a strong finish, remaining unbeaten on 51 from only 22 deliveries. Shivam Dube also contributed an important 27 from 15 balls as India accelerated during the closing stages of the innings to reach 211/6.

Hasan Nawaz Leads Pakistan’s Fightback

Pakistan faced early trouble in their chase, slipping to 39/3 before Hasan Nawaz produced a fighting innings.

Nawaz scored 96 from 51 deliveries and kept Pakistan in contention despite wickets falling around him. However, India’s bowlers maintained their composure in the final overs and prevented Pakistan from reaching the 212-run target.

Pakistan eventually finished on 192/6 after 20 overs, falling 19 runs short.

India Retain Asian Games Men’s Cricket Gold

The victory meant India successfully defended the men’s cricket gold medal they had won at the previous Asian Games.

India’s triumph also completed a cricket double at the 2026 Asian Games, with the Indian women’s team having already secured gold earlier in the competition.

Pakistan secured the silver medal in the men’s cricket event, while Sri Lanka finished with bronze.

The result added another gold medal to India’s Asian Games campaign and capped a strong performance by the men’s cricket team in Japan.