India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win Asian Games cricket gold
Hasan Nawaz’s fight ends at 96 as Pakistan fall short in 212-run chase to take silver medal
India defended a 211-run target to beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games cricket final, despite a late 96-run effort from Hasan Nawaz.
India posted 211-6 in 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
Abhishek Sharma led India's charge with a 28-ball 61, while Tilak Varma added a rapid half-century. Suryavanshi scored 15 and Ishan Kishan contributed 21 as India built a strong total.
Pakistan's bowlers picked up six wickets, with Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Daniyal taking two each. Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub claimed one wicket apiece.
Chasing 212, Pakistan lost Sahibzada Farhan for 10 before Muaz Sadaqat made 23. Usman Khan was dismissed for three, leaving Pakistan under pressure early in the chase.
Hasan Nawaz kept Pakistan in the contest with a powerful 96 off 20 overs, hitting five fours and seven sixes. He was dismissed on the final ball of the innings, leaving Pakistan on 192-7.
Saim Ayub scored 29, but Pakistan ultimately fell 19 runs short of India's total.
Pakistan made one change to its lineup for the final, bringing in Saad Masood in place of Wasim Jr. India retained the same XI.
The result gave India the Asian Games cricket gold medal, while Pakistan finished with silver.
The post-match handshake between the two captains also drew attention, with the customary exchange not taking place after the final.
