India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to retain Asian Games men’s cricket gold

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games men’s cricket final on Saturday, securing their second consecutive gold medal in the event.

Batting first at Korogi Sports Park, India posted 211 for six in 20 overs on a pitch that offered plenty for the batters. Pakistan fought back through a powerful innings from Hasan Nawaz but finished on 192 for six, falling short of the target.

Abhishek, Tilak power India to 211

India’s total was built around half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.

Abhishek scored 61 before being dismissed, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 51 as India reached 211 for six from their allotted 20 overs.

For Pakistan, A Minhas and A Daniyal claimed two wickets each, conceding 25 and 43 runs respectively.

Hasan Nawaz keeps Pakistan in the chase

Pakistan’s response was led by Hasan Nawaz, who produced an aggressive 96 off 50 balls.

His innings included seven sixes and five fours as Pakistan kept the chase alive deep into the innings. However, India managed to contain the rest of the batting line-up and restricted Pakistan to 192 for six.

Axar Patel was India’s leading bowler, finishing with two wickets for 29 runs from his four overs.

The 19-run victory handed India their second straight Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket.

India’s women’s team had earlier also defended its gold medal in the cricket event.

With PTI inputs