One of the fielding highlights of the 2026 Asian Games men’s cricket final occurred on October 3 when Washington Sundar dismissed Maaz Sadaqat with a juggling boundary-rope catch during Pakistan’s pursuit at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The dismissal was brought on by Axar Patel’s bowling. Sadaqat, who had scored 23 runs off 18 balls, including three fours, attempted a sweep over backward square leg on the opening delivery after the fielding restrictions were abolished. Axar bowled from around the wicket, and the ball slid over, inviting the stroke.

How Washington Sundar used the boundary rope to complete the catch

While running to his left in the deep, Washington Sundar made the catch, but his momentum was propelling him toward the rope. When he realised he was going to cross the boundary, he placed the ball up before his feet did, retreated within the field and made the catch on his second attempt. The dismissal was reviewed before being confirmed as out. With a score of 39 runs, Pakistan have lost their third wicket when the catch was confirmed.

Washington Sundar’s outstanding fielding performance wasn’t the only one of the day. He dived in from deep square leg to collect a tumbling catch, dismissing Saim Ayub, who had hit 29 off 22 balls with two boundaries and one six. Sundar finished with two catches in the field on a day when most people thought India’s fielding was reckless.

The bowling performance of India during Pakistan’s chase

India scored 211/6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Both Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma scored half-centuries. Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Daniyal each claimed two wickets for Pakistan with the ball.

For a spell, Pakistan’s pursuit was sustained by the fifty-run partnership between Ayub and Hasan Nawaz. Pakistan was unable to sustain the required pace throughout their innings, despite Nawaz being the best batsman in the chase with 96 runs off of 51 balls. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube each took two wickets as India bowled Pakistan out and won by 19 runs.

Also Read :  Virat Kohli Reflects on Missed Hundred in 2023 World Cup Final

After capturing the gold medal in men’s cricket at the 2026 Asian Games—their 19th gold overall—India placed fifth in the medal standings. Due to India’s gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, this defence was successful. Pakistan squandered the opportunity to win gold in men’s cricket at their inaugural Asian Games.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR