India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games men's cricket final held at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, Japan on October 3,
2026. India posted 211 for 6 in their 20 overs, while Pakistan scored 192 for 6. The victory allowed India to defend their Hangzhou 2023 title.
Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls in India's innings. Speaking after the match, the Indian vice-captain reflected on the significance of the win against arch-rivals Pakistan and his own performance in the final.
"It's a very good feeling because in the Asian Games, whenever we win, it's always a different feeling compared to the regular tournaments we play. It's a completely different feeling, and I had experienced this same feeling in 2023 in China. Winning again, especially against Pakistan as you said, is a very proud moment. So, it feels really great," Tilak said after the win.
Handling pressure in India-Pakistan cricket
Tilak acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing against Pakistan in such a high-stakes match. He drew on his previous experience in similar situations to manage the intensity of the final.
"Of course, who doesn't feel pressure in an India-Pakistan game? Pressure is always there, but I have already played against Pakistan in such situations before. I was in similar situations earlier and I used that experience. At the end of the day, the result came in our favour, so I am really grateful," Tilak said.
The unique feeling of Asian Games gold
The emotional significance of winning an Asian Games gold medal held particular meaning for Varma. He highlighted the unique feeling of standing on the podium with India's tricolour.
"Like I said, the Asian Games gives you a completely different feeling because when our tricolour flies high and you are called up on the podium to receive the gold medal, it's a feeling unlike anything we usually experience when winning. So, it feels really great," Tilak said.
Assessing the challenging pitch conditions
Tilak described the pitch at Korogi Athletic Park as challenging throughout the match. He noted that batting became increasingly difficult as the innings progressed, particularly during the middle and death overs. The Mumbai Indians batter asserted that the Indian team was confident of winning the clash after setting a 212-run target.
"Of course, it was a challenging pitch. Even today, the pitch was difficult, especially early on when the new ball was coming onto the bat well, but later on during the middle overs and death overs, batting wasn't easy. As everyone knows, there were big cracks, the ball was turning, and it was a proper bowler's pitch," Tilak stated.
"But we are really proud that we set a target of 212. We were thinking anything close to 200 or slightly above 200 would seal the game, and we scored 212. So we already knew we could win the game, although Pakistan also played well and batted well, but we knew we would win this game," he added.
