India secured a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in the Twenty‑20 format by defeating Pakistan, yet their One‑Day International side fell short of a 3‑0 series whitewash against the West Indies after Shai Hope’s unbeaten 162 guided the visitors to a historic chase of 352 runs. In the Asian Games final held in Japan, the Indian side posted a formidable total of 211 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a blistering 61 off just 28 balls from Abhishek Sharma, a composed 51 not out from Tilak Varma off 22 deliveries, and a quick‑fire 27 off 15 balls by Shivam Dube. Pakistan’s reply never got off the ground; they slumped to 39 for 3 early on and, despite a valiant 96‑run effort from Hasan Nawaz off 51 balls, could only muster 192 for 6, losing by 19 runs.
The win marked India’s seventh straight T20 International triumph over their arch‑rivals and their 14th victory in the 18 meetings that have taken place between the two nations in this format. The result reinforced India’s dominance in the short‑form game and added another chapter to a rivalry that has produced countless memorable moments. Later the same day, in New Chandigarh, the Indian ODI team attempted to complete a clean sweep of the three‑match series against the West Indies. Their total of 351 for 7, built on a powerful partnership between KL Rahul, who smashed an unbeaten 129 off 87 balls, and Rohit Sharma, who contributed 92 off 85 deliveries, seemed destined to secure a 3‑0 result.
Ruturaj Gaikwad added a useful 57 off 69, and the innings recovered from a precarious early wobble of 4 for 2. However, the West Indies, led by captain Shai Hope, chased down the target with ten balls to spare. Hope, who had already notched his 21st ODI century and his second in as many matches, played an innings of 162 not out off 143 balls, featuring 17 fours and three sixes.
His final boundary – a sweeping slog over deep fine leg off spinner Naman Dhir – levelled the scores, and he then nudged the winning single to long‑off, sealing a five‑wicket victory for his side. The West Indian innings was bolstered by crucial partnerships. After an early stand of 109 with Amir Jangoo, who contributed 67, Hope built half‑century partnerships with Keemo Paul (44) and Gudakesh Motie (19).
The chase was further aided by a controversial dismissal: Sherfane Rutherford was given out caught behind off Dhir for 24. A review upheld the on‑field decision, although Rutherford argued that the faint sound on the Snickometer indicated a bat‑on‑pad contact rather than a bat‑on‑ball edge.
India’s bowling attack could not contain the surge. Shubman Gill, who had earlier scored an unbeaten 223 in the second ODI of the series to help India chase down 406, fell for a single in the third over, dismissed by a diving one‑handed catch taken by Hope himself.
The very next ball saw Virat Kohli fall to a golden duck, bowled by Jayden Seales, who flattened the middle stump. These quick wickets rattled the Indian side and shifted momentum firmly in the West Indies’ favour.
The series now stands at 2‑0 to the West Indies, with a final ODI still to be played. Both teams will also meet in a five‑match T20 series beginning in Lucknow on Tuesday. India has already called 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 squad for the upcoming T20 encounters.
Cricket’s presence in the Asian Games has been consistent since its introduction in 2010, with the exception of the 2018 edition in Indonesia. India made an immediate impact, winning gold on their debut at the 2022 Games in China, and they have now repeated that success in Japan. The next Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Qatar in November 2030, where cricket will once again feature as a marquee sport, offering another platform for emerging talent and established stars alike to compete for continental glory.
Overall, the day highlighted the contrasting fortunes of India’s cricketing squads: the T20 side continued its dominance over Pakistan, securing a coveted gold medal, while the ODI side faced a resilient West Indian side that, powered by Hope’s extraordinary innings, prevented a clean sweep and set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the series.