India clinched the men’s cricket gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling final at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Saturday.
Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a formidable 211/6 in 20 overs, powered by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.
Abhishek set the tone with a blistering 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 22 deliveries. Shivam Dube also contributed a rapid 27 off 15 balls as India added 46 runs in the final three overs.
Pakistan, chasing 212 for gold, mounted a spirited challenge and threatened to take the contest down to the wire. However, India’s bowling attack held its nerve in the crucial stages to restrict Pakistan to 192/6, sealing a 19-run victory.
The victory means India have successfully defended their Asian Games men’s cricket title, having won gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
Golden double for Indian cricket
India’s men’s triumph completes a golden double in cricket at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Earlier in the tournament, the Indian women’s cricket team won gold after defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women’s final. India posted a record 216/3, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 79, before bowling Sri Lanka out for 69.
With both the men’s and women’s teams finishing on top of the podium, Indian cricket has produced a memorable double at the Asian Games.
India 211/6 (20 overs) beat Pakistan 192/6 (20 overs) by 19 runs.
Gold for India. Gold for Indian cricket.
