India Defend Asian Games Cricket Gold, Beat Pakistan by 19 Runs Despite Hasan Nawaz's Heroic 96

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Gold Medal Match to defend their Asian Games cricket title, chasing down a nervy finish against a brilliant Pakistan fightback at Korogi Sports Park.

Batting first, India posted a commanding 211 for 6 in their 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a blistering 61 off 28 balls including 7 sixes, and Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 51 off 22 to power India past the 200 mark, with Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Daniyal the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with two wickets apiece.

Pakistan's chase looked out of reach for long periods, but Hasan Nawaz produced a sensational 96 off just 51 balls, striking 5 fours and 7 sixes, to drag his side within sight of an improbable win. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube picked up two wickets each to restrict Pakistan to 192 for 6, with Nawaz left stranded as India held on for a 19-run victory.

The win gives India back-to-back gold medals in men's cricket at the Asian Games, while Sri Lanka had earlier claimed bronze with a 63-run win over Bangladesh.