Hasan Nawaz’s Explosive 96 Goes in Vain as Pakistan Lose Asian Games Cricket Final

LONDON: Hasan Nawaz’s blistering innings of 96 runs could not secure the gold medal for Pakistan as the team lost to India in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games.

Chasing a target of 212 runs, Pakistan managed 192 for six in their allotted 20 overs, falling 19 runs short of victory and settling for the silver medal.

Nawaz smashed 96 off just 51 balls, hitting seven sixes and five fours. After Pakistan lost their first three wickets early in the chase, he joined Saim Ayub to revive the innings with an 87-run partnership off 48 balls, bringing Pakistan back into contention.

However, the remaining batters failed to provide sufficient support. Saim Ayub scored 29 runs, while Muaz Sadaqat contributed 23. Captain Sahibzada Farhan made 10, Abdul Samad scored nine and Usman Khan managed three runs.

For India, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube took two wickets each.

India post 211 for six

Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 211 for six in 20 overs.

Abhishek Sharma led the scoring with an aggressive 61, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 and Shivam Dube contributed 27 runs. Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 21, Ishan Kishan made 20, Suryavanshi added 15 and Sanju Samson was dismissed for two.

For Pakistan, Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets apiece, while Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket each.

Dropped catches prove costly

Pakistan’s fielding lapses also contributed to the challenge, with the team dropping four catches and missing opportunities for run-outs.

India secure gold in the men's competition at Asian Games 2026 with a win over Pakistan 🏅💪

📝: https://t.co/slT5mVBGCO pic.twitter.com/7ADV9JXLMH

— ICC (@ICC) October 3, 2026

In the fifth over, Saim Ayub dropped two catches in three deliveries, giving Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer further opportunities to score. Pakistan also missed chances to run out Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.

Following the defeat, Pakistan had to settle for the silver medal, while India claimed gold.

The report also stated that Indian players declined to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain at the toss and after the match, bringing a political dimension to the high-profile sporting contest.