India Crowned Champions: Nawaz's 96 Not Enough as Men in Blue Retain Asian Games Cricket Gold

Public Lokpal
October 03, 2026

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India Crowned Champions: Nawaz's 96 Not Enough as Men in Blue Retain Asian Games Cricket Gold

Team India successfully defended their men's T20 cricket title at the 2026 Asian Games in Nisshin, Japan, holding off a breathtaking counter-attack from Pakistan to secure a thrilling 19-run victory in the gold medal match.

Put into bat first, India posted a formidable total of 211/6. Opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone with an explosive 61 off 28 balls. While Tilak Varma smashed an unbeaten 51 off 22 deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace.

In response, Pakistan's chase derailed early, leaving them reeling at 39/3. However, Hasan Nawaz turned the match on its head with a magnificent, lone-ranger knock of 96 off 51 balls, hitting 5 fours and 7 sixes.

Nawaz kept Pakistan's gold medal hopes alive deep into the final over before falling on the last ball, finishing Pakistan's innings at 192/6.

Key bowling spells from Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar under extreme pressure ensured India crossed the finish line, capping off a stellar campaign where both Indian teams claimed gold.