ISLAMABAD: India beat Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling U-18 Asia Cup semi-final between the arch-rivals in Kakamigahara, Japan on Friday.

India took an early lead through a penalty stroke with Tani Ashish scored their first goal. Pakistan’s Adeel then equalised.

In the 35th minute, Shahrukh scored to put India 2-1 ahead before Pakistan’s Mohammad Farhan scored the equalizer to make it 2-2 in the 37th minute.

Pakistan in the 42nd minute took a 3-2 lead through Uzair Ahmed.

However, India making an impressive comeback scored three consecutive goals – in the 49th, 53rd and 56th minutes -- through Ashish to record a fine victory.

India face Japan in the final on Saturday.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026