Islamabad, Dec 4: Pakistan’s national hockey team delivered a dominant 4-2 victory over Japan in a thrilling semi-final of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup.
The match began evenly, with Pakistan taking the lead in the 27th minute through a brilliant field goal (FG) by Muhammad Zain. Japan quickly responded with a clinical strike from Yuma Fujiwara in the 30th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 by halftime.
In the third quarter, both teams pushed hard, with Pakistan regaining the lead in the 38th minute via a penalty corner (PC). Japan answered back in the 41st minute, with Rakusei Yamanaka converting a PC to make it 2-2.
The final quarter saw Pakistan’s resilience shine. Zain scored again in the 48th minute, putting Pakistan ahead 3-2, before Sami Ullah sealed the victory in the 52nd minute with a composed penalty stroke (PS), ensuring Pakistan’s 4-2 win.
Final Scoreline
| Team | Goals | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 4 | 2 Field Goals, 1 PC, 1 PS |
| Japan | 2 | 1 Field Goal, 1 PC |
This victory extended Pakistan’s unbeaten streak in the tournament, sending them to the final. Muhammad Zain’s double and Sami Ullah’s composed penalty stroke were key to the win.
Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the final clash tonight.
