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Pakistan will lock horns with arch-rivals India in the gold-medal match of the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition on October 3 at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The summit clash was confirmed after Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the first semi-final, while India registered a comprehensive 124-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second semi-final.
Pakistan’s route to the final was far from straightforward. Their semi-final against Bangladesh was reduced to 13 overs per side because of rain. Bangladesh posted 111/7, with Towhid Hridoy top-scoring with 42 off 25 balls. Pakistan’s spin attack kept the opposition under pressure before the chase briefly became tricky at 53/4.
However, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz changed the game completely. Samad smashed an unbeaten 30 off just 15 balls, while Hasan contributed an unbeaten 27 off 22 deliveries. Their 59-run partnership took Pakistan to 112/4 in only 11.3 overs.
With India now standing between Pakistan and the gold medal, the team management is unlikely to make wholesale changes.
Here is Pakistan’s predicted playing XI vs India:
Sahibzada Farhan is expected to continue opening the innings and leading the side.
The right-hander endured an early dismissal in the semi-final, falling for just one run. However, his experience and leadership make him an automatic selection for the final. Farhan was named Pakistan’s captain for the Asian Games and had 46 T20Is and 1,305 runs to his name when the squad was announced.
Against India’s strong bowling attack, Pakistan will need Farhan to provide a composed start.
Saim Ayub should retain his place at the top of the order.
He played an aggressive 21 off 12 balls against Bangladesh, striking two sixes before being dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman.
Saim’s ability to attack from the opening overs could be crucial against India, particularly if Pakistan get the opportunity to bat first.
Usman Khan is likely to continue as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter.
He scored 14 off nine deliveries in the semi-final and provided some early momentum during the chase.
His role will be particularly important in a final where Pakistan will need contributions throughout the batting order.
Maaz Sadaqat could retain his place after making an impressive contribution in the semi-final.
The uncapped T20I player smashed 15 off only seven balls, including two fours and a six, before falling to Nasum Ahmed.
His ability to score quickly makes him a useful option in the middle order, while his all-round skills give captain Farhan another bowling option.
Hasan Nawaz should continue at No. 5 after playing a crucial innings in the semi-final.
The right-hander remained unbeaten on 27 off 22 balls and formed the match-winning partnership with Abdul Samad.
Pakistan could again rely on him to provide stability if the top order loses early wickets.
Abdul Samad will be one of Pakistan’s biggest batting threats in the final.
The vice-captain produced a match-defining unbeaten 30 from just 15 balls against Bangladesh, hitting five fours and a six. His 200 strike rate underlined the explosive nature of his innings.
Samad’s finishing ability could become particularly important against India’s deep bowling attack.
Arafat Minhas is expected to retain his place as an all-round option.
He made a major contribution with the ball against Bangladesh, claiming two wickets for 23 runs. He dismissed Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon to put Pakistan firmly in control during the first innings.
His left-arm spin could again be important against India’s left-handed batters.
Ahmed Daniyal could continue as part of Pakistan’s bowling combination.
He was included in the XI against Bangladesh and gives Pakistan another pace option alongside Mohammad Wasim Jr. The management could back the existing combination rather than introduce a new player for the biggest match of the tournament.
Mohammad Wasim Jr is likely to retain his place as one of Pakistan’s frontline seamers.
His pace and ability to bowl hard lengths can give Pakistan an important weapon against India’s aggressive top order. The final will also provide him with an opportunity to operate against a batting lineup featuring players such as Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma.
Abrar Ahmed should continue as one of Pakistan’s specialist spinners.
Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy worked effectively against Bangladesh, and Abrar gives Farhan another wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Against India’s left-right combinations, his variations could be useful.
Sufyan Moqim is expected to complete the XI after an outstanding semi-final performance.
The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets for 26 runs against Bangladesh, including the important wickets of Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy and Mosaddek Hossain.
His performance made him one of the most influential players in Pakistan’s journey to the final, and he is likely to remain a key part of the bowling attack against India.
Sahibzada Farhan (C), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (WK), Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim
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