Still hurt at losing Asian Games final to India: Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz

Still hurt by his side's loss to India in the Asian Games final, Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz admitted that his team made "small mistakes" in the run chase and paid the price despite believing they had a genuine chance of winning the gold medal.Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz still haunted by Asian Games final defeat to India (Courtesy: AP)New Delhi,Oct 7, 2026 20:22 ISTPakistan batter Hasan Nawaz admitted the disappointment of losing the Asian Games gold medal match to India is still fresh, saying his team paid the price for making "small mistakes" in the final in Japan.India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win the men's cricket gold medal last week, despite Nawaz's fighting 96 in the title clash."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 told the media.Nawaz said he was happy with his contribution but was left frustrated by the result, especially because he believed Pakistan had a chance of beating India. "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.The batter acknowledged the challenge of facing India, who he described as the No. 1 side, but felt Pakistan had done enough to put themselves in a position to win the match. Nawaz was also pleased with the way he returned to the international set-up after being sidelined for most of last year. His 96 against India gave him a strong start after his absence."To make a comeback with a good innings against India was very satisfying individually for me."Nawaz said Pakistani players have always tried to give their best against India but added that the team must learn from its mistakes if it wants to beat them."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 made his international debut with a T20I century against New Zealand in 2024, said playing more grassroots-level cricket had helped him improve his game."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 is now looking ahead to Pakistan's home white-ball series against Sri Lanka and England. He said he does not like to think too far ahead and wants to continue the form he showed in Japan."You have a plan and you stick to it. Ups and downs are always there," he added.- Ends