Shreyas Iyer and Shivam Dube both returned home with the Asian Games gold medal after playing a central role in India’s historic victory over Pakistan in the men’s cricket final. The Indian team, captained by Shreyas Iyer, beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the final on October 3 in Nisshin to win another gold medal and extend India’s supremacy in the game of cricket in the tournament.
India produced a great batting performance in the final and achieved 211 for 6 after being asked to set the target. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma played key roles in the innings which helped India to bag an imposing total in the face of a strong Pakistan side. Shivam Dube also contributed in the field with 27 runs and made even more impact with the ball during Pakistan’s chase.
Pakistan, chasing 212 for victory, finished on 192 for 6 and was 19 runs short of India’s target. Dube was one of the most important match-winners of the innings, leading the charge in the final stages. He took two important wickets, including the last wicket of the match, which brought the match to an end and sent Indian players into raptures.
The victory brought India a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket and also underlined the team’s supremacy in the competition. The achievement was made even more special as the Indian women’s cricket team also won gold to complete a golden double for Indian cricket at the Games.
Shreyas Iyer, the captain of India, achieved gold against Pakistan in the final too. He was in charge of the team in an extremely tight final in which he got to play a part in his international cricket career as captain. The victory was so special for fans.
Dube’s achievement was difficult to put into words, he said. His contribution to the final showed the value of having an all-rounder capable of making an impact in both departments. His 27-run innings helped India achieve a strong total and his two wickets during Pakistan’s chase were vital in keeping the opposition from getting close.
The final also showed the depth of Indian cricket. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma had the batting power to put pressure on Pakistan, and the bowling unit also maintained control in the chase. India’s ability to succeed under pressure was ultimately the key.
After the success, Indian players began returning home and celebrating. Ishan Kishan came to Delhi for the team’s success as players and national team members all arrived in the country. The gold medal further buoyed the Indian cricket team's popularity and it was another occasion for fans to acknowledge the national team’s success.
The Asian Games victory is also significant in other ways. Playing cricket at the Asian Games gives an opportunity to represent India in a multi-sport international event, adding another dimension to their careers. Winning gold against a traditional rival makes the achievement even more remarkable.
The 19-run victory was an example of India’s ability to cope with pressure in both innings. The team first set 211 for 6 as a competitive total but was able to defend this. Pakistan’s 192 for 6 suggests that the chase was still competitive but India was able to hold on for a gold medal.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Indian cricketers Shreyas Iyer and Shivam Dube arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after winning the gold medal by defeating Pakistan in the Asian Games. https://t.co/pFm93PS5Hn
— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2026
Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, and the rest of the team will likely return home to a lot of celebration and thanks from fans. Not only did they win gold, but they also delivered a memorable final which is one of the highlights of India’s Asian Games campaign.
With two gold medals for men’s and women’s teams on the same day in the Asian Games’ history, Indian cricket has once again made its presence felt. Dube’s last wicket and the victory over Pakistan ensured the team had a win and the Indian team will return home with another great achievement.
