India Pakistan cricket rivals will meet in the men’s T20 gold-medal match at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games on Saturday, October 3.
The final is scheduled for Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, with India entering as defending Asian Games champions and Pakistan reaching the tournament final for the first time.
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India Pakistan: How India and Pakistan reached the final
Pakistan secured its place by defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-affected semifinal on October 1.
The match was reduced to 13 overs per side after a wet-weather delay, with Bangladesh making 111 for seven before Pakistan reached the target in 11.3 overs.
Sufyan Moqim led Pakistan’s bowling effort, while Abdul Samad finished the chase unbeaten on 30 from 15 deliveries.
Hasan Nawaz also remained unbeaten, scoring 27 from 22 balls, as Pakistan recovered from 53 for four to complete the win.
India produced a more dominant semifinal performance, defeating Sri Lanka by 124 runs.
India posted 169 for seven from 20 overs, led by Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 from 46 balls.
Kishan struck four fours and five sixes, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 38 from 21 deliveries to accelerate India’s innings.
India then dismissed Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.4 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets in the opening over, while Axar Patel claimed two wickets and India’s fielders completed three run-outs.
What is at stake in the final
The match will decide the men’s cricket gold medal at the 20th Asian Games.
India won the men’s cricket title at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, while Pakistan’s best result in the men’s competition is a bronze medal from the 2010 Games.
Pakistan finished fourth when the men’s tournament was last held at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The final also brings the two regional rivals together in a match carrying significance beyond the medal table, although both teams are using squads selected for the Asian Games competition.
Match details
| Match | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Pakistan vs India |
| Competition | Asian Games men’s cricket final |
| Format | Twenty20 |
| Date | Saturday, October 3, 2026 |
| Venue | Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan |
| Prize | Gold medal |
The bronze-medal match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place earlier on Saturday.
Players to watch
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan will lead a side that has shown resilience during the knockout stage, particularly after losing four wickets during the semifinal chase.
Abdul Samad’s finishing ability and Sufyan Moqim’s left-arm spin will be central to Pakistan’s chances of controlling the final.
India will look to the form of Kishan, whose semifinal innings provided the platform for a large total.
Bumrah, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi also give India several options with the ball after the team’s attack dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting order.
What happens next
The winner will leave the Aichi-Nagoya Games with the men’s cricket gold medal, while the losing finalist will receive silver.
The result will also complete the men’s cricket medal standings for the Asian Games, with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka competing for bronze earlier in the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the India vs Pakistan Asian Games cricket final?
The men’s T20 final is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Where will Pakistan and India play the final?
The match will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
What is at stake in the match?
The winner will receive the men’s cricket gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
How did Pakistan reach the final?
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-affected semifinal reduced to 13 overs per side.
How did India reach the final?
India defeated Sri Lanka by 124 runs after scoring 169 for seven and bowling Sri Lanka out for 45.
Fact-Checked: Key match details, semifinal results and player performances were checked against Asian Games, ICC and national cricket board information.
Disclaimer: Match schedules and team details can change if organizers issue updates or weather affects play.