KARACHI, Sept 1: Pakistan Steel (PS) and PTCL will clash in the final of Junior hockey championship after winning their semifinals on Thursday at Faisalabad Stadium. According to the details reached, PS overcame NBP 2-1 while PTCL edge out Pakistan Customs 2-1 on penalty strokes in a tense match.

M. Zaheer gave an early breakthrough to PS in the ninth minute, which was leveled by Muhammed Akram for bankers in the 46th minute, in the second semifinal.

Kashif Ali scored the all-important goal for steelmen when he made no mistake on a 66th minute penalty stroke to seal a 2-1 victory over the bankers.

Earlier, in the first semifinal, goalkeeper Shehzad Nasir was emerged as the hero for PTCL as he blocked four penalty strokes to ensure a 2-1 win over Customs.

Ali Azlam found himself lucky to see his team reaching the final. He missed penalty stroke in the 23rd minute of the match.

The final will be played on Friday at 4pm, preceeded third-place match at 11am.—PPI