MUSCAT: Delivering a commanding performance, Pakistan’s national team defeated arch-rivals India 3-1 in the semi-final of the IBSF Snooker Team World Cup on Saturday.

The fabulous win by the Pakistan duo, comprising seasoned veterans Mohammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal, against India was followed by a dominant 3-0 victory against Qatar in the quarter-final clash earlier on Saturday.

The match began with Asjad, who recently reached the final of the individual event, facing India’s Pankaj Advani in the first frame.

Advani had the better start, racing to a 30-point lead after a break of 21. He consolidated his advantage with a further break of 22 before Asjad finally got on the board.

The 34-year-old Asjad slowly chipped away as safety play ensued, but committed two fouls, eventually giving Advani the opening he needed. The Indian cueist played a clearance of 25 to close out the first frame 85-21.

Pakistan’s most successful cueist, Asif, then took to the table and quickly pulled the team level with a commanding 113-23 win against Brijesh Damani.

The 43-year-old Asif was in sublime form, crafting a magnificent break of 77 on the back of 11 reds, eight black and two blue balls before missing his shot.

Damani scored 23 points from the opportunity but required snookers, which he never obtained as Asif returned to make a clearance of 32 and level the tie.

The crucial third frame saw the pairs from both teams playing together.

The Indian pair had the better start, accumulating a lead of 34 points. Undeterred, the ever-reliable Asif stepped up and turned the situation in Pakistan’s favour, stitching together a break of 46 to give Pakistan a 16-point lead before missing a tricky shot with the help of the rest.

Advani tried to close the gap but could only add three points before Asjad chipped in with a break of 15 to take Pakistan’s total to 65.

With snookers now required, the Indian players attempted to play around the pink ball, but after a lengthy period, Asif finally broke through, potting the ball to seal the frame 69-47.

In the fourth frame, Asif and Advani locked horns with Pakistan aiming to seal the win and India fighting for a comeback.

Asif drew first blood, scoring 11 points. Advani closed the gap to just two points on his first chance before missing his shot. The mistake proved costly as Asif punished it dearly.

The veteran Pakistani cueist crafted a decisive 61-break, all but deciding the frame. Advani returned for one more shot but acknowledged his defeat as Asif potted the next ball. The two players shook hands as a victorious Asif waved to the crowd, cementing Pakistan’s place in the final.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2025