India produced a strong performance against Pakistan to clinch the men’s T20 cricket gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, defeating their arch-rivals by 19 runs in a thrilling final at Korogi Sports Park on Saturday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, India posted a formidable 211 for six. The Indian batting unit provided a strong start before a powerful finish helped the team cross the 200-run mark. Pakistan, chasing 212 for victory, mounted a challenge but could manage 192 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
The Indian bowlers held their nerve during the closing stages of the chase, with Jasprit Bumrah producing a crucial spell at a decisive stage of the innings to halt Pakistan’s momentum. Pakistan’s chase had been kept alive by a quick half-century from Hasan Nawaz, but India maintained control when it mattered most.
The victory saw India retain the Asian Games men’s cricket title after their gold-medal triumph at the previous edition. It also added another chapter to the India-Pakistan rivalry, with the two sides meeting in an Asian Games cricket final for the first time. India had entered the final after a dominant 124-run win over Sri Lanka in the semi-final, while Pakistan defeated Bangladesh to book its place in the title clash.