India beat Pakistan to retain Asian Games T20 cricket gold

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs to retain the men's T20 cricket gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Nisshin, Japan.

The defending champions produced a powerful batting display before holding their nerve with the ball to secure a 211-6 to 192-6 victory in a highly anticipated final at Korogi Sports Park.

India post 211-6

India, who won the toss and elected to bat, made an explosive start as Abhishek Sharma smashed 61 from just 28 deliveries.

Sharma's innings included seven sixes as India established a strong platform, while Tilak Varma provided a spectacular finish with an unbeaten 51 from 22 balls.

Shivam Dube also contributed 27 from 15 deliveries as India scored 69 runs during the final four overs to finish on 211-6 and set Pakistan a target of 212.

Hasan Nawaz leads Pakistan's response

Pakistan began their chase positively but lost wickets at regular intervals as India's bowlers applied pressure.

Hasan Nawaz produced an outstanding individual effort, scoring 96 runs from 51 balls, including five fours and seven sixes.

He formed an 87-run partnership with Saim Ayub, keeping Pakistan in contention, but India continued to take crucial wickets and eventually restricted Pakistan to 192-6.

Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar claimed two wickets each for India, while Jasprit Bumrah also played an important role in restricting Pakistan's scoring.

India complete cricket double

The victory gives India their second consecutive men's Asian Games cricket gold medal, following their triumph at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.

It also completes a cricket double for India at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 after the women's team won gold earlier in the competition.

Pakistan, meanwhile, were appearing in their first men's Asian Games cricket final. They leave with the silver medal after falling short in their pursuit of 212.

India's victory also adds another gold medal to their campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, with the men's cricket title becoming the country's 19th gold of the Games.

Match details

• India: 211-6 in 20 overs

• Pakistan: 192-6 in 20 overs

• Result: India won by 19 runs

• Top scorer – India: Abhishek Sharma 61 off 28 balls

• Top scorer – Pakistan: Hasan Nawaz 96 off 51 balls

• Venue: Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan

• Competition: 2026 Asian Games, Men's T20 Cricket Final

• Date: 3 October 2026