NISSHIN, 4 October, 2026 (Nosheen): India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling final to win the cricket gold medal at the Asian Games 2026. Batting first, India posted a formidable 211-6 in 20 overs, with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma scoring quick-fire half-centuries. Abhishek smashed 61 off 20 balls, including seven sixes and three boundaries, while Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls, hitting four sixes and three boundaries. Shivam Dube contributed a rapid 27 off 15 balls as India recorded the highest total of the tournament. In reply, Pakistan scored 192-6, led by an outstanding 96 off 51 balls from Hassan Nawaz, who was dismissed on the final delivery of the innings. India held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a 19-run victory and claim the Asian Games cricket gold medal.