Nisshin, Oct 3: India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling men’s T20 cricket final to win the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a formidable 211 for 6 in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a blistering 61 off just 28 balls, smashing seven sixes and three fours.
Abhishek brought up his half-century in just 20 deliveries before his explosive innings was ended by Arafat Minhas. His aggressive knock gave India a flying start in the high-profile final.
Tilak Varma then provided a sensational finish, remaining unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls, while Shivam Dube contributed a quick 27 off 15 deliveries as India crossed the 200-run mark.
Chasing 212, Pakistan fought hard but finished on 192 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, falling 19 runs short of the target.
India's victory sealed the Asian Games gold medal and capped a memorable final against their arch-rivals Pakistan at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
The gold-medal triumph was powered by India's explosive batting, with Abhishek Sharma's 61 and Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 forming the highlights of the Indian innings.
