Hasan Nawaz: I am still hurt at not being able to win Asian Games final against India

Hasan Nawaz scored a 96 against India in the final but could not take Pakistan over the line. | Photo Credit: AP

Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz said on Wednesday that losing the Asian Games gold-medal match against India still haunts him, and rued the “small mistakes” that cost the team the final in Japan.

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win the Asian Games gold in the men’s cricket competition 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 made 96 in the title clash, told the media.

Nawaz said playing against India, the No. 1 side, was always a challenge.

“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 said he was delighted to make a comeback after getting sidelined for most of last year.

“To make a comeback with a good innings against India was very satisfying individually for me.”

Nawaz asserted that Pakistani players have always tried to give their best against 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.”

The youngster, who came into international cricket with a T20I century in New Zealand in 2024, said he has been working on his game by playing a lot of grassroot level 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.”

Nawaz said he never thought too far ahead and now just wanted to continue his form against Sri Lanka and England in the home white-ball series.

“You have a plan and you stick to it. Ups and downs are always there,” he added.