Indian opener smashes 52 from 30 balls as defending champions race to 81-2 during six-over powerplay
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma produced an aggressive half-century to put India in a commanding early position after Pakistan opted to field first in the Asian Games men’s cricket final on Saturday.
India surged to 81 for two during the six-over powerplay at Korogi Sports Park, with Abhishek leading the charge through a 30-ball 52. His attacking innings featured six sixes and three fours.
Pakistan managed to claim two wickets despite India’s rapid scoring. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made 15 from nine deliveries before attempting a reverse sweep against Saim Ayub and being caught behind.
Sanju Samson was the second Indian batter dismissed, with medium-pacer Ahmed Daniyal claiming his wicket.
Pakistan Chase First Men’s Cricket Gold
India entered the final as defending champions, while Pakistan are seeking their first gold medal in the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games.
Pakistan secured their place in the title clash by defeating Bangladesh in the semi-final, with their other matches having been affected by rain.
Led by Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan’s batting lineup includes Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad. The bowling attack features spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim, with conditions having provided assistance to slower bowlers.
India, meanwhile, have Jasprit Bumrah spearheading their bowling attack, while Ishan Kishan enters the contest in good batting form.
India are aiming to retain the Asian Games title they secured in Hangzhou three years ago, while Pakistan are attempting to claim their maiden men’s cricket gold medal at the event.
Playing XIs
India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah.
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Usman Khan (wk), Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim.
