TOKYO: India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 5 goals to 3 in the second semi-final of the ongoing Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup in Japan on Saturday, storming into the final of the tournament.
Ashish Tani emerged as the hero for India, scoring four goals including a brilliant hat-trick. The young striker converted a penalty stroke in the 12th minute to give India an early lead. Pakistan’s Adeel restored parity in the second quarter with a well-taken goal, and the teams went into the half-time break locked at 1-1.
The pace intensified in the third quarter. India regained the lead quickly, but Pakistan responded with two quick goals to turn the match around, taking a 3-2 advantage heading into the final quarter.
However, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to India. Pakistan failed to sustain their momentum as Ashish Tani took control, netting three goals in succession to complete his hat-trick and seal a 5-3 victory for the Indian side.
With this win, India qualified for the final, where they will face hosts Japan later today. Meanwhile, Pakistan will take on Malaysia in the third-place play-off.
Notably, the players of the Pakistan Under-18 hockey team were playing in an international event for the first time.
