‘Satisfied with my runs’: Pakistan batter opens up on Asian Games final loss to India

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Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz said on Wednesday that he is still hurt by the team’s loss to India in the Asian Games gold medal match and believes “small mistakes” cost them the final in Japan.India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win the men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games last week.“I am still disappointed and hurt at not being able to win the final. We made small mistakes and we paid the price for it,” Nawaz, who scored 96 in the title clash, told the media, as quoted by news agency PTI.Nawaz said facing India, the No. 1 side, was always going to be a challenge. He was pleased with his own performance but felt Pakistan let the match slip during the chase.“I am satisfied with my runs but losing the final was disappointing because I really believed we could win the game. I was playing according to calculation and knew they were one bowler short at the end with just one over from Bumrah remaining. But I think we made some mistakes in the run chase and lost,” he said.Nawaz also said he was happy to make a comeback after being sidelined for most of last year.

“To make a comeback with a good innings against India was very satisfying individually for me.”He said Pakistani players have always tried to give their best when facing India.“I think the final is over now and cricket and matches will continue. We will also continue to make mistakes but I think to beat them we have to learn from our mistakes and become better.”Nawaz, who made his international debut with a T20I century against New Zealand in 2024, said he has been working on his game by playing plenty of grassroots cricket.“I think the bowlers and pitches you get in these matches help you become a better player in difficult conditions. When you bat in better conditions in international cricket it helps your confidence.”