BCCI president Mithun Manhas praised India’s handling of pressure in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final against Pakistan, while taking a dig at the quality of competition offered by the arch-rivals in recent years.India secured one of their 21 gold medals at the Games after beating Pakistan by 19 runs in the final on Saturday, October 3, at the Korakuen Stadium in Nisshin, Japan. The closely fought contest saw Pakistan push India hard during the chase, but the defending champions held their nerve to retain the gold medal.Manhas, however, felt the result also highlighted what he believes is a decline in the competitiveness of India-Pakistan contests.“They defeated arch-rivals Pakistan, who I feel don’t offer much competition anymore, and the way our team handled pressure situations… no other team in the world can do that,” Manhas said after the final.The BCCI president also lauded India’s overall campaign, insisting that the team deserved its status as the tournament’s best side.“By far the best team of the tournament. We are the defending champions, and the performance they have shown this time is commendable,” he added.
Abhishek sets the tone, Tilak finishes strongly
Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma played key roles in India’s imposing total of 211, with both batters registering half-centuries.Manhas highlighted the contribution of the two batters and explained how India’s top and middle order combined to put Pakistan under pressure.“This is a team sport. Tilak Varma batted brilliantly, and Abhishek Sharma set the tone for the game. The job of openers is to build the innings, and the middle order finishes it. So, the openers basically set the tone,” Manhas said.Abhishek gave India an explosive start, scoring 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak struck 51 off 22. India lost wickets during the middle overs but recovered through Tilak and Shivam Dube, who added 62 runs off 30 balls for the sixth wicket.“Team India’s batting has been tremendous, and as for the bowling, I would say everyone contributed together to defend a good total,” the former Delhi batter added.
Bowlers hold their nerve
India’s 211 was the first total above 200 in the tournament. Pakistan, though, mounted a serious challenge in the chase, led by Hasan Nawaz, who smashed 96 off 51 deliveries.India’s bowlers eventually managed to keep Pakistan to 182/6 after 20 overs, securing a 19-run victory. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar claimed two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless but played a crucial role by bowling effectively during tense phases of the chase.The victory gave India back-to-back Asian Games cricket gold medals after their triumph in the previous edition.
