India won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the Asian Games men’s cricket final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Saturday.
The highly anticipated gold-medal clash brings the arch-rivals together in the first-ever men’s cricket meeting between India and Pakistan at the Asian Games.
Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, with all-rounder Saad Masood replacing fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr.
The captains of both teams did not shake hands before the start of the gold-medal match.
Pakistan and India meet for Asian Games gold
Pakistan are aiming to secure the gold medal against their long-time rivals after reaching the final with a strong run in the tournament.
India, meanwhile, will look to build on their recent record against Pakistan and claim the top prize.
The two sides have met 17 times in T20 internationals, with India winning 13 encounters. Pakistan have recorded three victories, while one match ended in a tie.
However, this final marks their first meeting in men’s cricket at the Asian Games, adding another chapter to the rivalry.
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by six wickets to reach Asian Games cricket final
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Wasim, Sufyan Moqim and Abrar Ahmed.
India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi and Jasprit Bumrah.
🚨 TOSS & PLAYING XI 🚨
🪙 India win the toss and elect to bat first 🏏
One change to our team for the #AsianGames final 🇵🇰#PAKvIND | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/XX3bJSMykM
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 3, 2026
India hold recent advantage
India enter the final with a strong recent record against Pakistan, having won their last five meetings.
Pakistan will be looking to end that run and produce a strong performance in the gold-medal contest.
The Pakistani side features several promising young players, including Maaz Sadaqat, who will be expected to play an important role as the team attempts to challenge India’s strong lineup.
India’s recent form: W, A, W, W, W
Pakistan’s recent form: W, A, W, L, NR
With India batting first, Pakistan’s bowlers will have an early opportunity to put pressure on their rivals and restrict them to a manageable total before beginning their chase for Asian Games gold.
