India’s wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson says the Asian Games gold medal was earned the hard way, after India beat Pakistan in the final to win the men’s cricket title for a second time running.
How the final unfolded
India chose to bat and reached 211/6, with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma both making important half-centuries. Pakistan answered with a determined chase but ended on 192/6.
Samson himself made 2 from 4 balls, but he was keen to talk about the wider effort of the squad.
Samson on preparation and experience
He said the senior players handled their energy well and stayed motivated and focused, despite having few chances to train and play during the event. He also felt that fielding a strong side made the final a proper contest for everyone involved.
Looking back at the match, Samson said India’s 211 put Pakistan under pressure, although the pitch stayed good for batting and the opposition gave it a real go.
In his words, the gold was not handed over on a platter. The team had to work for it, he said, and that made the result more satisfying for the whole group.
The win rounded off a successful campaign for India, who defended their men’s cricket gold on the Asian Games stage.
