KARACHI: Defending champions Wapda edged past Punjab Colours 3-1 to stretch their unbeaten run and become the first team to book a spot in semi-finals of the 28th National Women’s Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Friday.

Having beaten Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 20-1 and HEC 3-0 over the last two days, Wapda lived up to their reputation conjuring third straight victory and becoming the only unbeaten team in pool A.

Inside right Nazia Rehmat slammed a goal in each half in 26th and 45th minutes, the second on penalty corner, while outside left Amna Mir completed the tally in 58th minute off a penalty corner.

Spearhead Sidra Ayub reduced the deficit for losers in 48th minute. This was Punjab Colours first defeat in three games.

Wapda faces Sindh Colours in their last group fixture on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sindh Colours chances of making the last four were diminished as they suffered 0-2 loss, their second straight defeat, at the hands of HEC. The winners led 1-0 at breather.

Bushra Nazia opened the account for the winning outfit in 23rd minute while Asma Ashraf completed the fate in 46th minute.

Five-goal Shukria Rasheed followed by four-goal apiece by Hina Kanwal and Nimra Khaliq helped Railways score a massive 14-0 victory over low-ranked Balochistan in pool B.

Railways Aqsa Mumtaz, who was hit in the abdomen by opponent player’s shot during their match against Sindh Whites on Thursday, netted the remaining one goal.

According to officials, Aqsa was released from emergency of Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC) after remaining under observation for some six hours.

Former champions Railways and Army have a firm chance to cruise into semi-finals from pool B with two wins apiece to their credit.

Meanwhile, two ambulances of Alamgir Welfare Trust, accompanied by paramedic staff, remained present at the HCP Stadium during the days fixtures.

There will be no matches on Saturday and the event resumes on Sunday.