NEW DELHI: India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling men’s cricket final at the Asian Games on Saturday, completing a victory at the Korogi Sports Park after posting an imposing 211 for 6.The win was built on an explosive batting performance and disciplined bowling, as India overcame Pakistan’s late surge to secure the gold medal.Batting first, India made an outstanding start in the Powerplay, reaching 81 for 2.Abhishek Sharma was the chief architect of the early assault, smashing a spectacular 61 from just 28 balls.His innings included seven sixes and three fours, as he attacked Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling with remarkable confidence. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also contributed a brisk 15 from nine balls.India briefly lost momentum in the middle overs, with Ishan Kishan scoring 20 and captain Shreyas Iyer making 21. Pakistan’s Arafat Minhas was particularly effective, taking 2 for 25, while Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub also claimed wickets.Asian Games Full Coverage | Schedule | Medal TallyHowever, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube transformed the innings at the death.The pair added 62 runs in only five overs, with Tilak finishing unbeaten on 51 from 22 balls and Dube contributing 27 from 15. India smashed 69 runs in the final four overs to finish on 211 for 6.Pakistan’s chase began cautiously and India quickly applied pressure.Washington Sundar dismissed Sahibzada Farhan for 12, while Axar Patel removed Usman Khan and later Maaz Sadaqat, leaving Pakistan struggling at 39 for 3 after the Powerplay.Hasan Nawaz kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with an aggressive 96 from 51 balls, while Saim Ayub made 29, briefly threatening to bring Pakistan back into contention.However, Shivam Dube broke the partnership by dismissing Ayub, and Washington Sundar then removed Abdul Samad.Pakistan required 50 runs from the final 15 balls, making the chase extremely difficult.Saad Masood struck a six late in the innings, but India’s bowlers maintained control. With Pakistan unable to complete the chase, India secured a memorable victory.The triumph capped a powerful all-round performance, with India’s explosive batting, crucial wickets and strong finish proving decisive in the final.
