Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final to win the gold medal at the Asian Games for the second consecutive time.
After winning the toss, India opted to bat and posted a formidable 211/6 in 20 overs. Pakistan, in reply, managed 192/6 in its allotted 20 overs.
India’s innings was powered by opener Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 61 off just 28 balls, including seven sixes. Tilak Varma also produced a quick-fire half-century, scoring 51 off 22 balls with four sixes.
The 211-run total also became India’s highest score against Pakistan in T20 internationals, surpassing their previous record of 192/5, which was recorded in Ahmedabad in 2012.
Pakistan put up a strong fight in the chase, with Hasan Nawaz leading the scoring with a brilliant 96 runs. Saim Ayub contributed 29 runs, but Pakistan could only reach 192/6 by the end of 20 overs.
For India, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube picked up two wickets each to restrict Pakistan and seal the gold medal.
The victory saw India retain the men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games, continuing their dominance in the competition.
