Asian Games Cricket Final
India Responds Aggressively After Early Wicket Against Pakistan in Asian Games Final
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Key Points
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The final was the first men’s cricket meeting between India and Pakistan at the Asian Games. India were defending the title they won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, while Pakistan were seeking their first men’s cricket gold.
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The celebration’s intended target was not certain: Gulf News reported that it was unclear whether Ayub’s gesture was specifically directed at Sooryavanshi. A television commentator noted, “An interesting celebration as well.”
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Ayub’s spell had contrasting phases: after taking Sooryavanshi’s wicket, he finished his first three overs with figures of 1 for 24, but conceded 23 runs in his fourth and final over. Shivam Dube hit two sixes and a boundary in that over, and Tilak Varma added a boundary.
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Abhishek’s 61 included three fours and seven sixes, according to India Today.
Pakistan spinner Saim Ayub dismissed 15-year-old India opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 15 runs in the 2026 Asian Games men's cricket gold-medal final, then celebrated with a rocking-a-baby gesture that drew swift backlash. Gulf News reported the exact target of the celebration remained unclear, but Sooryavanshi departed without response as India's batsmen mounted a powerful counterattack to secure the title.
Abhishek Sharma Silences Ayub's Celebration With Aggressive Batting
Sooryavanshi's dismissal barely slowed India's innings. India Today reported that Abhishek Sharma struck back immediately, blasting two fours and a six in Ayub's very next over to reach a 20-ball half-century. Abhishek finished with 61 runs from just 28 balls, including three fours and seven sixes, keeping Pakistan under heavy pressure throughout the powerplay.
Former Pakistan Stars Condemn Ayub's Send-Off as 'Social Media Stunt'
The celebration sparked immediate criticism from senior Pakistani cricketers. NDTV reported that former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal blasted Ayub, calling the send-off a "social media stunt" and urging focus on performance instead. Khelja noted that both Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal publicly condemned the gesture, with Akmal calling it "unfortunate" and saying Ayub should concentrate on his cricket.
Ayub's Bowling Crumbles After Early Success
Ayub's first three overs cost just 24 runs and claimed Sooryavanshi's scalp. But the Pakistan spinner collapsed in his fourth and final over, conceding 23 runs as Shivam Dube hit two sixes and a boundary while Tilak Varma added another boundary. This dramatic shift showcased India's dominance as they raced to 81 for two in the powerplay phase.
India Defend Title in First Men's Cricket Meeting at Asian Games
The final marked the first men's cricket showdown between India and Pakistan at the Asian Games. India defended the gold medal they won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, while Pakistan sought their maiden men's cricket gold. India ultimately prevailed by 19 runs, Times of India reported, ending Pakistan's hopes for a breakthrough title in the tournament.
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