An India-Pakistan cricket final could be on the cards at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after both teams advanced to the men’s T20 cricket semi-finals following rain-hit quarter-finals in Nisshin, Japan.
India’s quarter-final against Afghanistan and Pakistan’s clash with Hong Kong, China were both abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain and unplayable conditions. India and Pakistan progressed to the last four on the basis of their higher ICC T20I rankings.
India and Pakistan on Opposite Sides of the Draw
The two Asian cricket rivals will not meet in the semi-finals. Instead, they have been placed on opposite sides of the knockout draw.
India will face the winner of the Sri Lanka vs Nepal quarter-final in the semi-final.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will take on the winner of the Bangladesh vs Malaysia quarter-final.
This means an India-Pakistan final is possible, but both teams must win their respective semi-final matches first. The men’s cricket final is scheduled for October 3.
Why Did India and Pakistan Advance After Rain?
The India-Afghanistan quarter-final was abandoned after persistent rain left the outfield unplayable at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. No toss or ball was possible.
India entered the knockout stage as the higher-ranked team and progressed under the tournament's ranking-based provision. India are ranked No. 1 in the ICC men's T20I rankings, while Afghanistan are ranked 10th.
Pakistan faced a similar situation against Hong Kong, China. Their quarter-final was also abandoned without a toss, allowing Pakistan to advance because of their superior ranking. Pakistan are ranked sixth in the ICC T20I rankings, while Hong Kong are ranked 24th.
India-Pakistan Have Not Yet Met at the Asian Games
India and Pakistan have not faced each other in the men's cricket competition at the Asian Games so far.
India made its men's Asian Games cricket debut at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where it won the gold medal. The final against Afghanistan was abandoned because of rain, with India awarded the gold on the basis of its higher ranking.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have featured in Asian Games men's cricket since the 2010 edition.
Therefore, if both teams win their semi-finals in 2026, the tournament could produce their first men's cricket meeting at the Asian Games.
Why India-Pakistan Bilateral Cricket Is Limited
India and Pakistan have not played a regular bilateral cricket series for many years. The deterioration in cricketing ties followed the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, after which bilateral cricket between the two countries was suspended.
Since then, India and Pakistan have continued to meet primarily in major multinational competitions, including ICC and Asian Cricket Council tournaments.
India vs Pakistan: Latest Cricket Meeting
The most recent India-Pakistan men's cricket encounter came at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Colombo.
India scored 175/7 in 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Pakistan were subsequently bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, giving India a 61-run victory.
India's win added another chapter to the long-running rivalry and means an India-Pakistan encounter at the Asian Games would carry significant interest if both teams reach the gold-medal match.
When Are the Asian Games Cricket Semi-Finals?
The men's cricket semi-finals are scheduled for October 1, with the bronze-medal match and gold-medal final scheduled for October 3.
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