LAHORE: Hannan Shahid’s brace helped Pakistan cruise into the Junior Hockey Asia Cup final after defeating Japan 4-2 on Tuesday.
Pakistan now face arch-rivals India, who downed Malaysia 3-1 in the other semi-final, in the decider being held in Oman on Wednesday.
In a see-saw match, Pakistan went in front after 27 minute of play through Hannan before Japan equalised shortly through Tsubasa Tanaka.
Basharat Ali put Pakistan in front again when he converted a penalty corner in the 38th minute.
Japan, undeterred, again restored parity when Rakusei Yamanaka scored early in the third quarter.
But the 19-year-old young star Hannan struck again for the national team in the 48th minute and Mohammad Sufyan sealed the victory in the 52nd minute.
Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024
Dear visitor, the comments section is undergoing an overhaul and will return soon.