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
