India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final of Asian Games 2026 to win the gold medal.
Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz said that he was disappointed that his valiant effort for Pakistan went in vain after India defeated them in the final of the Asian Games 2026 in Nisshin to win the gold medal. He added that Pakistan paid the price for making "small mistakes" in the final in Japan.
India batted first, and thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s 61 and Tilak Varma’s 51* and 27 from 15 balls from Shivam Dube, they posted 211/6 in 20 overs.
In response, Maaz Sadaqat (23) and Saim Ayub (27) got started, but they couldn’t support Hasan Nawaz, who played a stupendous knock of 96 with 7 sixes and 5 fours, as Pakistan only managed 192/6 in 20 overs and lost the final by 19 runs.
Hasan Nawaz talked about the Asian Games 2026 final and stated that Pakistan made some mistakes and also called India the No. 1 team.
“I am still disappointed and hurt at not being able to win the final. We made small mistakes, and we paid the price for it. I am satisfied with my runs, but losing the final was disappointing because I really believed we could win the game. I was playing according to calculation and knew they were one bowler short at the end, with just one over from Bumrah remaining. But I think we made some mistakes in the run chase and lost," Nawaz told the media, as quoted by PTI.
The player said that Pakistani cricketers have always given their best when facing arch-rivals India.
"To make a comeback with a good innings against India was very satisfying individually for me. I think the final is over now, and cricket and matches will continue. We will also continue to make mistakes, but I think to beat them we have to learn from our mistakes and become better,” he added.