Hasan Nawaz produced one of Pakistan’s standout performances of the Asian Games 2026 cricket final, launching a powerful 96-run innings against India in Nisshin, Japan. His effort came while Pakistan were chasing a challenging 212-run target.
Coming to the crease after Pakistan slipped to 39 for three, the 24-year-old immediately shifted the momentum. He struck five fours and seven sixes during a 51-ball assault that briefly brought Pakistan back into contention.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi singled out Nawaz’s innings for special praise after the final. He described the performance as an exceptionally high-quality display and said it was gold medal-worthy despite Pakistan eventually finishing with silver.
Afridi also acknowledged the result, recognising that India had played the better overall game. At the same time, he praised Pakistan’s determination and urged the players to take confidence from the way they continued fighting during the chase.
Nawaz’s contribution became even more significant after Pakistan’s difficult start. He and Saim Ayub rebuilt the innings with an 87-run partnership, giving Pakistan a realistic chance of challenging India’s imposing total.
Nawaz reached his half-century from just 28 balls and continued attacking deep into the chase. Even with wickets falling around him, he kept Pakistan’s hopes alive until the closing moments before being caught on the last ball.
Hasan Nawaz produced one of Pakistan’s standout performances of the Asian Games 2026 cricket final, launching a powerful 96-run innings against India in Nisshin, Japan.
Hasan Nawaz produced one of Pakistan’s standout performances of the Asian Games 2026 cricket final, launching a powerful 96-run innings against India in Nisshin, Japan. His effort came while Pakistan were chasing a challenging 212-run target.
Coming to the crease after Pakistan slipped to 39 for three, the 24-year-old immediately shifted the momentum. He struck five fours and seven sixes during a 51-ball assault that briefly brought Pakistan back into contention.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi singled out Nawaz’s innings for special praise after the final. He described the performance as an exceptionally high-quality display and said it was gold medal-worthy despite Pakistan eventually finishing with silver.
Afridi also acknowledged the result, recognising that India had played the better overall game. At the same time, he praised Pakistan’s determination and urged the players to take confidence from the way they continued fighting during the chase.
Nawaz’s contribution became even more significant after Pakistan’s difficult start. He and Saim Ayub rebuilt the innings with an 87-run partnership, giving Pakistan a realistic chance of challenging India’s imposing total.
Nawaz reached his half-century from just 28 balls and continued attacking deep into the chase. Even with wickets falling around him, he kept Pakistan’s hopes alive until the closing moments before being caught on the last ball.
