India have won the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket gold medal, defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in a high-scoring final at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Japan, on October 3.

After winning the toss, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer elected to bat, and India produced a commanding total of 211/6 in 20 overs. Pakistan needed 212 for victory but could manage 192/6, leaving India to successfully defend the target and retain the title they won at Hangzhou 2023.

India’s innings was powered by an outstanding performance from Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 61 runs from just 28 deliveries, including seven sixes. His aggressive strokeplay gave India momentum early in the innings.

Abhishek’s six-hitting also produced a notable milestone as he equalled Yuvraj Singh’s record for most sixes by an Indian against Pakistan in T20 cricket.

India received another major boost from Tilak Varma, who delivered a rapid 51 off 22 balls. His late-innings acceleration, alongside Shivam Dube’s 27 off 15, helped India cross the 200-run mark.

The final total of 211/6 was also India’s highest T20I score against Pakistan, surpassing their previous mark of 192.

Chasing 212, Pakistan kept the contest alive but could not complete the chase. They eventually ended on 192/6 after 20 overs, giving India a 19-run victory.

Despite Pakistan’s strong batting effort, India managed to protect the sizeable target and complete another successful Asian Games campaign.

Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube were among India’s wicket-takers, with Dube finishing with two wickets.

India entered the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s seeded teams. Their quarter-final against Afghanistan was abandoned because of rain, with India progressing because of their higher T20I ranking.

In the semi-final, India produced a dominant 124-run victory over Sri Lanka. They scored 169/7 before bowling Sri Lanka out for just 45. Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 off 46 balls was the standout batting performance in that match.

Pakistan also advanced through a rain-affected quarter-final before defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in their semi-final. Their victory set up the first-ever India-Pakistan men’s cricket final at the Asian Games.

The victory means India successfully retain the Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal, following their triumph at Hangzhou 2023.

The final also added another chapter to the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, with the two sides meeting for the first time in an Asian Games men’s cricket final.

Date: October 3, 2026

Venue: Korogi Athletic Park, Nisshin, Japan

Format: Men’s T20 Cricket

Toss: India won and elected to bat

Gold Medal: India

Silver Medal: Pakistan