IND vs PAK: India's strongest playing XI for Asian Games 2026 final against Pakistan - Predicted

India will be playing for the gold medal against Pakistan on October 3.

The Indian Cricket Team have qualified for the final of the Asian Games 2026 after their dominating performance in the semi-final. They will now be up against Pakistan in the gold medal match, which will be played at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on October 3.

India hammered Sri Lanka by a record margin of 124 runs with a clinical bowling performance. Ishan Kishan and bowlers did not let Sri Lanka take an inch in the game. Kishan scored a valuable 80* off 46 balls and took India to a competitive score.

Then, the bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for just 45 runs in 9.5 overs. In the other semifinal, Pakistan edged past Bangladesh by six wickets, while chasing 112 runs in a 13-over match.

They needed 68 runs in the last six overs. Hasan Nawaz (27* off 22) and Abdul Samad (30* off 15) took Pakistan into their first final. For the first time, Pakistan’s men’s cricket team will compete for the gold.

Now, these two sides will face each other in the final. It will kick off at 10 AM IST on Saturday at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.

On that note, let’s look at India’s probable XI for the first IND vs AFG T20I.

India’s predicted XI for IND vs PAK 1st T20I

1. Abhishek Sharma 

Abhishek Sharma‘s place in the Indian playing XI is confirmed. His aggressive approach makes him an ideal powerplay option. The left-handed batsman struggled to score big in semi-final, but would be keen to make it count against Pakistan in final.

2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 

Young gun Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be sure shot pick in XI for final. The 15-year-old star continued his aggressive approach in semi-final, and played a vital innings. He would want to score big and help his team win.

3. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson is likely to bat at three and take the wicketkeeper’s role. Ishan Kishan, who has been playing continous cricket at three, was pushed down the order in sem-final, and is expected to do same in final.

4. Shreyas Iyer (C)

India’s captain Shreyas Iyer will occupy the crucial No. 4 position in the playing XI and is expected to play a major role in strengthening their middle-order batting. Iyer’s role will be crucial in this match. 

5. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan was Player of the Match in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. Where others struggled, he stood tall and played a blinder, scoring unbeaten 80 runs off 46 balls. He was the major reason why India won the semi-final.

6. Tilak Varma (VC)

Tilak Varma provides stability and also scores quick runs during the middle overs. If India lose early wickets, he provides balance and also builds partnerships when India need a strong finish. He didn’t have a great game against Sri Lanka, and would be hoping to turn the tables around in this T20I.

7. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube is one of the most experienced players and was part of the ICC T20 World Cup squad over the past two seasons. India won both World Cups, and Dube played a massive role. Dube remains India’s first-choice batting all-rounder. His power-hitting ability will be key for his team in final against Pakistan.

8. Washington Sundar 

With spin being the best weapon for conditions in Japan, Washington Sundar will hold key for India in the game. Along with his spin, he would also have a role to play with bat.

9. Axar Patel 

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been regular in the T20I side. Axar can contribute with both the bat and ball. He is an excellent spinner and also strengthens the team’s batting lineup. 

10. Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi, is expected to lead the spin attack alongside Sundar and Patel. The leg-spinner has been in decent form, and would be hoping to carry good form. 

11. Jasprit Bumrah 

Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional against Sri Lanka in the sem-final. He looked in great shape, and picked two wickets in the opening over, which broke backbone of Sri Lanka. He would hold key for his team against Pakistan as they look to win gold medal.

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