KARACHI: Defending champions Wapda carved out an emphatic 3-1 victory over Army to set up a repeat title clash with former champions Railways who swept aside Punjab Colours by the identical margin (3-1) in the other semi-final of the 28th National Women’s Hockey Championship at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Wednesday.

Wapda, who ended Railways long unbeaten run in 2005, has maintained their stranglehold since then winning year after year to emulate double hat-trick feat of the latter in the last edition held in 2011. On all the previous six occasions, their victim was none other than Railways.

Inside right Nazia Rehmat opened the account for Wapda in the fourth minute while inside left Ambreen Arshad consolidated the lead midway through the first half to lead 2-0 at interval.

Two-time former champions Army, managed to earn two penalty corners in the sixth and 32nd minutes, and three in the post interval session, but all went unfruitful.

Army’s concerted efforts, however, earned them the desire result when outside right Ayesha Rafiq scooped a goal in 44th minute to reduce the deficit.

Spearhead Maria Sabir completed the tally for winners while netting team’s third goal in the 48th minute.

Though Wapda won, their conversion of penalty corner remained poor as all the five PC’s that they earned, gone wasted.

The second semi-final saw Railways enjoying an edge over their opponents, Punjab Colours.

Right winger Aqsa Mumtaz forged Railways ahead when her powerful shot beat opponent custodian off second penalty corner in 27th minute after squandering the first in the fourth minute.

Punjab Colours neutralised the lead three minutes later through the efforts of outside right Sidra Ayub.

Thanks to inside right Hina Kanwal who struck twice, once in each half, in a span of 20 minutes to steer her team to 3-1 victory. She put Railways in front two minutes before half time and completed the tally in 53rd minute.

Railways conversion rate of penalty corner also left much to be desired. With the exception of one, they failed to avail remaining half-a-dozen.

The final between Wapda and Railways will be played on Thursday at 11.00am. This will be preceded by third-fourth position playoff between Army and Punjab Colours at 8.30am.

Federal Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, will grace occasion.