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Asian Games finals preview: India vs Pakistan cricket; hockey men face Malaysia

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Saturday’s Asian Games calendar hands India two gold-medal blockbusters: the men’s cricket final against Pakistan at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, and the men’s hockey final against Malaysia with a chance to win successive Asiad titles for the first time. Friday’s six-gold surge set the stage; now the Men in Blue and the hockey side chase signature finishes.

Asian Games finals preview: India vs Pakistan cricket; hockey men face Malaysia
Illustrative photo for this report — Unsplash (free).

Cricket: rivalry, format, rain rule

India defend their Hangzhou 2023 cricket gold after thrashing Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semi-final; Pakistan seek a first Asiad cricket gold after Guangzhou 2010 bronze. The T20 final is listed for 1630 pm local on 3 October. Organisers say if rain abandons the match, India and Pakistan will share gold — a change from Hangzhou, when India were awarded gold on ranking after a washout against Afghanistan. Women’s cricket already delivered gold earlier in the Games, so a men’s title would complete a double.

News photo 4914-2
Illustrative photo for this report — Unsplash (free).

Hockey India previewed the Malaysia final as a meeting of two unbeaten sides. Captain Harmanpreet Singh can become the first Indian men’s captain with two Asiad golds; Manpreet Singh can become the only Indian with three. India’s path included a 4–3 semi-final escape against Pakistan — see our semi report.

Why the double header matters

Cricket rivalry packs eyeballs; hockey back-to-back gold would rewrite a historical gap. Previews are in Al Jazeera and Hockey India notes.

Team hotels in Aichi reportedly tightened media windows so players could recover after Friday’s medal rush before the rivalry finals under lights and heat.

Correspondents following the sports desk will continue to update figures and official statements as they firm through the holiday weekend.

News photo 4914-3
Illustrative photo for this report — Unsplash (free).

Fan brief

Two finals, one Saturday — India’s chance to turn Day 13’s surge into a closing statement.

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