India beat Pakistan in blockbuster as golfer Kim wins ‘crazy’ gold

India beat arch-rivals Pakistan to win Asian Games gold on Saturday in a blockbuster cricket final as South Korea’s Tom Kim clinched the men’s golf crown — and will avoid military service. On the final full day of action in Aichi-Nagoya, gold medals were up for grabs in sports including cricket, golf, tennis, football, breakdancing, hockey and rugby sevens. All eyes were on a converted baseball field hosting world-class cricket and a bitter rivalry that goes beyond sport. Because of long-running political tensions, nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan only meet in cricket in international tournaments and on neutral ground. The two captains refused the normal handshakes before the match. When the cricket got under way, India won by 19 runs following a pulsating clash in front of a small but raucous crowd.

World T20 champions India posted 211-6 in their 20 overs with Abhishek Sharma scoring 61 and Tilak Varma 51 not out, before Hasan Nawaz’s valiant 96 saw Pakistan come up just short at 192-6. Afterwards, the jubilant India players paraded their national flag around the modest 2,500-capacity Korogi Athletic Park Stadium. Abhishek pummelled a 20-ball fifty in a whirlwind start to the India innings after choosing to bat. India brought their 100 up off just 55 balls before Pakistan’s bowlers regained some control after dismissing the in-form Ishan Kishan for 20 and captain Shreyas Iyer for 21. But Tilak and Shivam Dube unleashed a late onslaught, putting on 62 in five overs for the sixth wicket as India recorded the highest score of the tournament. Pakistan were always facing an uphill battle, but Hasan fought to the death as they went in search of their record chase. The batsman reached 96 and fell off the last ball attempting one last big shot. – More than gold for…