India secured a second consecutive Asian Games cricket gold by defeating Pakistan in a dominant T20 showdown, yet their One‑Day International side fell short of a 3‑0 series whitewash against the West Indies after Shai Hope’s unbeaten 162 steered the visitors to a record‑breaking chase of 352 runs. In the Asian Games final held in Japan, the Indian side posted a formidable 211 for 6 in their allotted twenty overs. The innings was anchored by a blistering 61 off just 28 balls from Abhishek Sharma, a composed 51 not out off 22 deliveries by Tilak Varma, and a quick‑fire 27 off 15 balls from Shivam Dube. Pakistan’s reply sputtered early, collapsing to 39 for 3.
Although Hasan Nawaz attempted a rescue with a brisk 96 off 51 balls, the team could only muster 192 for 6, handing India a 19‑run victory. This triumph marked India’s seventh straight win over their arch‑rivals Pakistan in T20 internationals and their 14th triumph in the 18‑match history between the two nations in the shortest format. The win also reinforced India’s growing reputation in multi‑sport events, as cricket has featured in every Asian Games since its introduction in 2010, with the exception of the 2018 edition in Indonesia.
India first captured the gold medal on debut at the 2022 Games in China and has now repeated the feat in Japan, cementing its status as the dominant force in Asian Games cricket. Meanwhile, on the ODI front in New Chandigarh, the West Indies turned the tables. India’s imposing total of 351 for 7 was eclipsed with ten balls remaining when the Caribbean side, led by Shai Hope, completed a dramatic chase. Hope, the West Indies captain, notched his 21st ODI century – his second in as many matches – by scoring an unbeaten 162 off 143 balls.
His innings featured 17 fours and three sixes, the final boundary being a powerful sweep over deep fine leg off spinner Naman Dhir that leveled the scores, followed by a decisive single to long‑off that secured the win by five wickets. Hope’s marathon knock was complemented by solid partnerships. After opening the innings, he combined with Keemo Paul for a 44‑run stand and later with Gudakesh Motie for 19 runs.
Earlier, he had already built a 109‑run partnership with Amir Jangoo, who contributed 67 runs. These collaborations were crucial in keeping the required run‑rate in check and guiding the West Indies to the target.
India’s innings, which had seemed shaky after an early 4 for 2 collapse, was resurrected by KL Rahul’s explosive 129 not out off 87 balls. Rahul’s innings was supported by Rohit Sharma’s 92 off 85 deliveries and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s steady 57 off 69 balls, providing the backbone of the massive total.
The match also witnessed a dramatic dismissal of Shubman Gill, who had previously scored an unbeaten 223 in the second ODI of the series, and a golden‑duck exit for Virat Kohli. Both batsmen fell to consecutive deliveries from West Indies pacer Jayden Seales in the third over. Seales bowled Kohli with a delivery that struck the middle stump cleanly, while Gill was caught behind by Hope after edging the ball, adding to the West Indies’ momentum. A contentious moment arose when Sherfane Rutherford was given out caught behind off Naman Dhir for 24 runs.
The on‑field umpire’s decision was upheld after a review, despite Rutherford’s claim that the sound on the Snicko sensor indicated a bat‑on‑pad contact rather than a bat‑on‑ball. This decision left the West Indies at 206 for 3 after 30 overs, but Hope’s continued aggression ensured the chase stayed on track. Looking ahead, the two sides will meet again for a five‑match T20 series, beginning in Lucknow on Tuesday.
India is expected to call up several players from the Asian Games squad, including Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, and the 15‑year‑old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, to bolster the lineup for the upcoming series. Cricket’s inclusion in the Asian Games has provided a unique platform for nations to showcase their talent in a multi‑sport environment.
India’s back‑to‑back gold medals underscore the depth and versatility of its cricketing pool, while the West Indies’ remarkable chase highlights the unpredictable excitement that ODI cricket can deliver. The next Asian Games are slated for Qatar in November 2030, promising further opportunities for cricket to shine on the continental stage.