Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 helps India defend Asian Games gold against Pakistan
Tilak Varma's unbeaten 51 off 22 balls guided India to a 19-run win and successful defence of their Asian Games gold medal against Pakistan.
Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls as India defended their Asian Games men's cricket gold medal with a 19-run victory over Pakistan at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Saturday. His 20-ball half-century helped India reach 211 for six after Pakistan's spinners had restricted the middle order.
Varma added 62 runs with Shivam Dube for the sixth wicket in just five overs after India lost early wickets. Abhishek Sharma scored 61 off 28 balls while Dube contributed 27 off 15 balls in the final flourish.
Pakistan reached 192 for six in reply despite Hasan Nawaz's 96 off 51 balls. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar took two wickets each while Dube claimed the final-ball wicket of Nawaz to seal the victory.
CricHubb Take
Varma's ability to accelerate on a turning pitch against quality spin shows how his Asia Cup experience against Pakistan has translated into consistent performance under pressure in bilateral and multi-nation events.