India beat arch-rivals Pakistan in Japan to claim Asian Games cricket gold

India's men's cricket team defeated rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games Twenty20 final in Nagoya, Japan, securing the gold medal. Batting first, India posted a total of 211 for six in their 20 overs, driven by Abhishek Sharma's 61 and an unbeaten 51 from Tilak Varma. The match took place on a converted baseball field amid notable political tension, with both captains refusing pre-match handshakes.

In reply, Pakistan fell short at 192 for six despite a defiant 96 from Hasan Nawaz off 51 balls. India's bowling attack held firm in the closing stages, with Jasprit Bumrah conceding just 11 runs in the penultimate over before Shivam Dube defended the lead. The victory completed an Asian Games cricket double for India, following the women's gold medal win earlier in the tournament.