India ready for Men's Asian Games gold-medal clash

India will face Pakistan for the gold medal in the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026, with both sides arriving at the summit clash unbeaten in the tournament.

India, the defending champions, progressed to the semi-finals due to a higher seeding in the ICC T20I Team rankings after their quarter-final match against Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. 

They then produced a commanding display against Sri Lanka, posting 169/7 before bowling their opponents out for 45 in 9.5 overs to seal a 124-run victory. Ishan Kishan top-scored with an unbeaten 80 from 46 balls.

Pakistan also advanced to the last four without playing their quarter-final match against Hong Kong, China which was washed out.

In the semi-final, they overcame Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-reduced contest, chasing down 112 in 11.3 overs after Bangladesh had made 111/7 in their 13 overs.

With the gold medal now at stake, India batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar believes the occasion demands the same approach as any other international fixture, while acknowledging the significance of adding another medal to India’s tally.

“We are happy with the place we are in.

"This is one more international game that my team will be playing. And it's for Asian Games Gold. So that's the importance of the game.”

For India, the final presents an opportunity to successfully defend the gold medal won at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where cricket was played in 2023 after the Games were postponed. India were awarded gold after their final against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain, with India ranked higher.

India players pose with their gold medals at Asian Games 2022 in Hanghzou (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)

Kanitkar stressed that the significance of the occasion extends beyond the cricket team itself, with every medal contributing to the country's overall tally.

“It is extremely special because it goes into the medal tally for the country. And like the other Indian athletes, they work a lot to get that gold, silver, bronze, whatever it may be.

“And it's not easy. We are really looking forward to this game, really looking forward to doing very well and winning. So it can add to the tally of the country's medal and that's really high on our list.”

The gold-medal clash will add another chapter to the India-Pakistan rivalry, but Kanitkar is keen for his players to remain focused on the cricket rather than the attention surrounding the fixture.

With gold on the line, Kanitkar believes the outcome could ultimately come down to how India handles the decisive moments.

“The moments are what matters in big games.

“Our players have done it in the past at various different levels and we are confident we'll do it again. It's very important to win those crucial moments.”

With two unbeaten sides meeting for the title, India and Pakistan will now have one final opportunity to turn their tournament campaigns into an Asian Games gold-medal finish.

Image Credit: BCCI