Pakistan edge closer to final after taking 3-2 lead over India in U-18 Asia Cup semi-final

WEB DESK: Pakistan took a commanding step towards the final of the Under-18 Men’s Asia Cup Hockey tournament, securing a hard-fought 3-2 lead against arch-rivals India in a pulse-pounding semi-final clash in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday.

The high-stakes encounter lived up to its billing as both sides exhibited high-octane attacking hockey from the opening whistle.

Following a stellar 5-2 victory over Bangladesh that sealed their semi-final berth, the green shirts maintained their goal-scoring momentum, unpicking the Indian defence with precise baseline passes and swift counter-attacks.

High-octane rivalry

The match began at a frantic pace, with India looking to exert early pressure through their lethal penalty-corner routines. However, Pakistan’s defensive unit, which had faced rigorous scrutiny earlier in the tournament, held firm before the forwards capitalised on open spaces.

Pakistan’s tactical flexibility allowed them to breach the Indian backline, turning the tide of the match into a 3-2 advantage and piling the pressure back on their traditional rivals.

Race to the final

Prior to this marquee semi-final, India had entered the knockout stage on the back of a resounding 13-1 victory against Chinese Taipei, while Pakistan topped their pool despite a minor hiccup against Malaysia.

As the match progressed into its crucial final phases, Pakistan’s ability to maintain discipline and retain possession in the midfield proved pivotal in protecting their slender one-goal cushion, keeping their dreams of continental glory firmly alive.