July 15, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 11, 1429

HYDERABAD (India), July 14: Pakistan survived a first-half scare to demolish Bangladesh 8-2 in the sixth Junior Asia Cup hockey at the Gachibowli Stadium here on Monday and thus qualified for semi-finals.

Bangladesh surprised Pakistan as they took 2-1 lead at half time but the green shirts slammed home seven goals in the second half to finish with seven points from three matches in pool ‘B’ of the eight-nation tournament.

Pakistan will now most likely play defending champions India in their semi-final on Wednesday.

However, the definite semi-final line up will be decided after Korea-Oman and India-Singapore matches.

“We will be psychologically ready to face India in the semi-final,” chief coach Jahangir Butt said.

Bangladesh scored their first goal in the second minute through Ashaduzzaman Chandan off a short corner.

Kashif Ali pulled the two teams back on level terms as he converted a penalty corner in the 22nd minute but hardly two minutes later Iqbal Nadir gave Bangladesh the advantage with a field goal, connecting a long hit from the midfield.

In the second half, Pakistan scored three goals in a five-minute burst, starting in the 43rd minute and then blasted home another four goals in an 11-minute spell beginning in the 58th minute.

Coming up with two goals each for Pakistan were skipper Shafqat Rasool, Mohammad Zubair and Abdul Haseem Khan.

In pool ‘A’ match, Japan beat Malaysia 3-1 to qualify for the semi-finals with six points from three matches.

India were still to play Singapore and their victory by less than four goals would mean that they would be able to avoid Pakistan in the semi-finals.

The semi-finals will be played on Wednesday after Tuesday’s rest day while the final is scheduled for Friday.—APP