Nisshin/IBNS, Oct. 3 -- India clinched the gold medal in the men's cricket final at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in a high-scoring T20 final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.

India, powered by Tilak Varma, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, posted 211/6 after being asked to bat, before restricting Pakistan to 192/6 in 20 overs.

India, led by Shreyas Iyer, elected to bat first after winning the toss.

Pakistan opened with spin, but Abhishek Sharma immediately went on the offensive, including a 24-run over from Saad Masood.

Sanju Samson fell soon after, but Abhishek continued to attack.

He brought up his half-century from just 20 balls and eventually scored 61 off 28, including three fours and seven sixes, b...