Pakistan has stormed into the Asian Games cricket final and will face arch-rivals India in a blockbuster gold medal showdown on October 3 after defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened thriller at Korogi Sports Club in Nisshin, Japan.
The Green Shirts successfully chased down a challenging 112-run target in a match reduced to 13 overs per side, reaching the finish line with three balls remaining despite losing four wickets along the way. The victory sets up one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries on the biggest multi-sport stage in Asia.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start when captain Sahibzada Farhan departed for just one run in the opening over. Maaz Sadaqat briefly counter-attacked with an explosive seven-ball 15 featuring two boundaries and a six before falling to Nasum Ahmed. Rising star Saim Ayub continued the aggressive approach, smashing 21 off 12 balls with two sixes and a four against Mustafizur Rahman, only for the experienced Bangladeshi pacer to claim his wicket in the fourth over.
When Usman Khan fell in the seventh over, Pakistan found themselves wobbling at 53 for four, still needing 59 runs from 36 deliveries. What followed was a masterclass in pressure batting.
Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz combined for an unbeaten 69-run partnership off just 32 balls to turn the match decisively in Pakistan’s favour. Samad led the charge with a blistering undefeated 30 from 15 deliveries, striking five fours and a six, while Nawaz provided crucial support with an unbeaten 27 off 22 balls. Their calculated aggression dismantled Bangladesh’s bowling attack and sealed Pakistan’s place in the final.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan won the toss and elected to field first on a damp outfield. Bangladesh managed 111 for seven in their 13 overs, with Towhid Hridoy top-scoring with a brilliant 42 off 25 balls, including four sixes and two fours. Saif Hassan contributed 19 off 17 deliveries before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem, who emerged as Pakistan’s most effective bowler with three wickets for 26 runs. Arafat Minhas claimed two scalps while Ayub picked up one.
Bangladesh’s innings never gained serious momentum after losing early wickets, slipping to 21 for three before Hridoy’s counter-attack gave them a competitive total. A crucial 53-run partnership between Hridoy and Mosaddek Hossain for the fifth wicket provided late impetus, but Muqeem’s double strike in the penultimate over derailed their finish.
Meanwhile, India booked their final berth with a crushing 124-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second semi-final. India posted 170 before bowling out Sri Lanka for a mere 45 runs, setting up the mouth-watering Pakistan-India final.
The tournament has been plagued by rain in Nisshin, with multiple quarter-final matches abandoned without a ball bowled. Pakistan advanced to the semi-finals after their quarter-final against Hong Kong was called off, while India progressed similarly against Afghanistan. Bangladesh reached the last four when their quarter-final against Malaysia was washed out.
Despite the weather disruptions, organisers remain optimistic about the final. The forecast for October 3 appears more favourable, raising hopes that one of cricket’s greatest rivalries will unfold under clear skies for Asian Games gold.
For Pakistan, the final represents a chance to claim continental supremacy and add an Asian Games gold medal to their trophy cabinet. For millions of fans across both nations, it promises to be an unmissable spectacle of sporting drama and national pride.
