India successfully defended its men's cricket gold medal at the Asian Games after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in a closely contested final. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said the victory required significant effort from the team and was not achieved easily. He credited the experience of India's regular T20 players for helping the side manage the pressure of a high-profile final.

India posted 211 for six after strong half-century contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. Pakistan responded positively in the chase and remained competitive throughout the second innings, eventually finishing at 192 for six. The result gave India a 19-run victory and ensured that the men's cricket team retained the gold medal it had won at the previous Asian Games.

Samson said the presence of experienced players made a difference, particularly during periods when the team had limited opportunities to train or play matches. He explained that the squad understood how to manage its energy, maintain motivation and remain focused despite the interruptions. According to him, fielding a strong regular T20 contingent provided India with the composure required for an important final.

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The match itself developed into a competitive contest rather than a one-sided affair. India expected the target of more than 200 to put Pakistan under pressure, but the batting conditions remained favourable and Pakistan's players responded with an aggressive chase. Samson said the final gave both teams an opportunity to compete in a high-quality match, with India's players having to remain focused until the closing stages.

The India-Pakistan rivalry added further significance to the occasion, but Samson said the players concentrated on the demands of the match once the game began. He acknowledged that representing India in an Asian Games final was a major opportunity for the squad, while stressing the importance of keeping emotions surrounding the rivalry separate from their on-field approach.

India's victory secured another Asian Games gold medal in men's cricket and underlined the value of its experienced squad in a high-pressure contest. For Samson, the difficult nature of the final made the achievement more satisfying, with India's players having to withstand Pakistan's challenge before completing a 19-run victory and retaining the continental title.

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