India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling Asian Games cricket final in Nagoya, Japan, to claim the gold medal.
India posted 211-6 in their 20 overs after a powerful batting display led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61, and Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 51.
Pakistan mounted a strong chase, with Hasan Nawaz producing a valiant 96. However, the Pakistan innings finished at 192-6, leaving India to celebrate another victory over their rivals on the international stage.
The final began with India opting to bat. Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made an explosive start, hitting two consecutive sixes in an over that yielded 24 runs. The 15-year-old was dismissed soon afterwards for 15.
Abhishek Sharma then took control, reaching his half-century from just 20 balls. Pakistan missed several opportunities in the field, with Abhishek dropped twice and also surviving a run-out chance before eventually falling for 61.
India slipped to 133-5 in the 15th over after the dismissals of Ishan Kishan, who made 20, and captain Shreyas Iyer, who scored 21. Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube then launched a late assault, adding 62 runs from five overs. Varma hit four sixes while Dube cleared the boundary twice as India finished above 200.
Pakistan’s chase was driven by Hasan Nawaz, whose 96 kept the contest alive deep into the innings. India, however, held their nerve to restrict Pakistan to 192-6 and secure the gold medal.
The match was played against the backdrop of strained political relations between the two countries. India and Pakistan generally meet only in international tournaments and on neutral ground. The captains did not exchange the customary handshake before the match, and there were no handshakes after the game or during the medal ceremony.
The medal ceremony was also delayed. ICC chairman Jay Shah presented medals to the Indian players, while Pakistan and bronze medallists Sri Lanka received their medals from Asian Games officials. No official explanation was immediately given for the changes to the ceremony.