Pakistan complete controlled chase in rain reduced semi final

NAGOYA, Japan, October 2, 2026: Pakistan advanced to the men s cricket final at the 2026 Asian Games after completing a disciplined chase of 112 against Bangladesh in a 13 over per side semi final at Korogi Sports Park. The visitors reached the target in 11.3 overs for the loss of four wickets to book a gold medal showdown with India on Saturday.

How the game unfolded

Persistent showers forced the match officials to reduce the contest to 13 overs each. Bangladesh batted first and managed 111 for 7 after being put in. Early breakthroughs for Pakistan left the Bangladeshi innings in trouble, falling to 21 for 3 and then 45 for 4 inside the powerplay overs. Towhid Hridoy counterattacked with 42 from 25 balls to keep Bangladesh competitive, but he alone could not lift the total beyond a modest score for the shortened format.

Pakistan s bowling attack enjoyed success at regular intervals. Left arm seamer Sufyan Moqim emerged as the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of three for 26 from his allotted overs. The early wickets and tight lines by the pace unit helped contain Bangladesh s scoring options and set up a chase Pakistan felt comfortable with.

Decisive batting display and late acceleration

The Pakistani chase never looked panicked despite the early loss of wickets. At one stage Pakistan were 53 for 4, but a fifth wicket stand rebuilt the innings. Abdus Samad provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 30 off just 15 deliveries, striking five fours and a six to take the contest away from Bangladesh. Hasan Nawaz played the anchoring role alongside Samad, contributing 27 while remaining not out when the winning runs were scored.

With 36 required from the last four overs, Samad and Hasan produced a sequence of boundaries and aggressive hitting that eradicated any chance of a Bangladesh comeback. Pakistan reached the target with seven balls to spare, finishing on 112 for 4 in 11.3 overs.

What this result means for Pakistan cricket

This victory secures Pakistan s first appearance in an Asian Games men s cricket final and delivers momentum at a multi sport event that places a premium on short tournament form. A gold medal match against India brings renewed attention, not only because of the historic rivalry, but also because both sides have fielded strong squads blending youth and experience at these Games.

For Pakistan, the performance highlighted the squad s ability to adapt to altered match conditions, to defend a modest total, and to stage a composed chase under the pressure of knockout cricket. The bowling, led by Moqim s three wicket haul, and the batting recovery led by Samad and Hasan will be key talking points for team management ahead of the final.

Looking ahead to the final

The final is scheduled for October 3 at the same venue. India reached the decider after an emphatic victory in the other semi final, and will arrive as favourites due to their depth and recent form. Pakistan s immediate task will be recovery and tactical planning, with particular emphasis on handling whatever pitch and weather conditions the Korogi Sports Park offers on Saturday.

Beyond medals, a high profile meeting with India on this stage carries broader significance for both cricket boards and supporters. For Pakistan s players, the final is a chance to claim a continental title, to reward a tournament plan that has mixed experienced performers with emerging talent, and to provide a landmark achievement for the squad at a major regional Games.

Key performers

  • Sufyan Moqim, 3 for 26, put Pakistan in control with timely wickets and steady lines.
  • Abdus Samad, unbeaten 30 off 15, provided tournament finishing power when it mattered most.
  • Hasan Nawaz, unbeaten 27, anchored the chase and shared the crucial fifth wicket partnership.

The Pakistan dressing room will now prepare for a high pressure finale against India, a match that will carry both sporting and symbolic weight. The result in Nisshin confirms Pakistan as one of the strongest sides at these Games, capable of shifting momentum quickly in short format contests and finishing matches when required.