The men’s team defeated Pakistan in the final, once again proving its dominance over the men from across the border in the sport. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was jubilant as the Indian team clinched gold medals, both in men’s and women’s cricket at the Asian Games 2026. it has been more than 4 years since the latter managed to have the last laugh in this rivalry While India and Pakistan are considered as arch-rivals in the sport.
In the final against Pakistan, India did seem to stumble a little at the top, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi failed to fire. But, the likes of Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma did really well, both smashing a half-century each.
“They defeated arch-rivals Pakistan, who I feel don’t offer much competition anymore, and the way our team handled pressure situations… no other team in the world can do that,” Manhas said.
Defending a total of 211 runs, India were able to restrict Pakistan to 192/6, securing a 19-run win to add another gold medal to its tally. The medal was important to take the Indian team to the 4th spot in the Asian Games 2026 standings.
