DUBLIN: Pakistan booked a spot in the final of the UCD 4-Nations hockey tournament, beating hosts Ireland 2-1 in Dublin of Friday.

Pakistan started at great pace and got on the score sheet after 24 minutes through a Waseem Ahmad deflection. Ireland looked all set to score the equalizer soon after, but Salman Akbar proved too good in goal after a Timothy Cockram strike.

But it was Pakistan who once again found the net four minutes later through a Sohail Abbas goal.

The second half saw the hosts bossing possession but the experienced Pakistan defense managed to keep the threat neutralized until Timmy Cockram set up Michael Watt for an Irish goal.

“We were disappointed to concede two goals that we believe we should be controlling and will need to improve on this area,” said Irish coach Paul Revington.

Pakistan face Ireland in the final on Saturday.