India secured their second consecutive Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal with a 19-run victory over Pakistan in the 2026 final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
Batting first, India reached 211/6, marking their highest total of the tournament. The innings was led by opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 off 28 balls, and Tilak Varma, who finished unbeaten on 51 from 22 deliveries.
Pakistan’s response was centered on Hasan Nawaz, who scored 96 off 51 balls, including seven sixes. Despite his contribution, Nawaz was dismissed on the final ball of the innings with Pakistan finishing at 192. During the broadcast, the victory was described as “Back-to-back Asian Games golds for Team India ~ another golden chapter, another billion reasons to celebrate back home.”
The match was characterized by a continuation of the ‘no-handshake’ policy between the two programs. Captains Shreyas Iyer and Sahibzada Farhan did not engage in the customary greeting at the toss or after the game, a protocol that has remained in place following the 2025 Pahalgam attack.
ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not attend the final, citing prior commitments. Analysis suggests this absence was a diplomatic measure intended to avoid a potential confrontation during the medal ceremony, following incidents during the 2025 Asia Cup.
The gold medal win follows the success of the Indian women’s team earlier in the Games. Sri Lanka finished the men’s tournament with the bronze medal.
