MUSCAT: Traditional rivals Pakistan and India on Saturday night reached the Asian Champions Trophy final following their hard fought wins in the semi-finals against Malaysia and Japan, respectively.

Pakistan beat Malaysia on penalty shootout 3-1 to make their fifth consecutive final at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat.

In the other semi-final, India faced tough resistance from Japan before prevailing 3-2 within the schedule time.Pakistan and Malaysia were tied at 4-4 before the semis was decided on penalty shootout with goalkeeper Imran Butt making splendid saves under the bar to win a spot in the final for green shirts.

The final would be a repeat of last year Trophy title decider where India emerged victorious.India and Pakistan both have won the Asian Champions Trophy twice previously.

Published in Dawn, October 29th , 2018

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