Pakistan to face India in Hockey U18 Asia Cup semi-final

KAKAMIGAHARA: India have been confirmed as Pakistan's opponent for the ongoing Men's U18 Asia Cup 2026 following their 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the 15th match of the continental tournament here at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite a resounding victory in their last group-stage fixture, India finished second in Pool A behind Japan, who won all four of their games to claim the summit position.

Since Pakistan finished as the Pool B topper with six points due to a superior goal difference than Malaysia, they will take on the second-placed side of Pool A, India, in the semi-final scheduled to be played on Friday.

For the unversed, the Green Shirts secured a top-spot finish by crushing Bangladesh 5-2 at the same venue earlier today.

Pakistan made a flying start to the fixture as Abdullah Awan opened the scoring in the second minute of the first quarter to give Pakistan a 1-0 lead.

Bangladesh responded quickly, with Islam Munna finding the equaliser in the 11th minute, as the opening quarter ended level at 1-1.

The second quarter saw Pakistan dominate possession and earn three penalty corners, but they were unable to convert any of them, and the half ended without further goals.

Pakistan regained the lead in the third quarter when Adeel scored in the 32nd minute. However, Bangladesh once again hit back almost immediately, as Islam Munna struck his second goal in the 35th minute to restore parity at 2-2.

The momentum then shifted firmly in Pakistan’s favour as they added two quick goals to take control of the contest.

Haider Asam converted a penalty corner to make it 3-2, before Abdullah Awan netted his second of the match to extend the lead to 4-2 by the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, Pakistan sealed the victory when Najeeb Muhammad Yahya added the fifth goal in the 59th minute, confirming a comprehensive 5-2 triumph.