Pakistan’s national hockey team delivered a commanding performance against Japan, securing a 4-2 win in a gripping semi-final match of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup.
The semi-final began with a balanced contest between the two sides. Pakistan took the lead in the 27th minute with a brilliantly executed field goal (FG) by Muhammad Zain. However, Japan quickly responded in the 30th minute as Yuma Fujiwara equalised with a clinical strike, ending the first half with a 1-1 scoreline.
The third quarter saw both teams pressing hard, with Pakistan regaining the lead in the 38th minute through a penalty corner (PC) conversion. Rakusei Yamanaka brought Japan level once more with a PC goal in the 41st minute, making it 2-2.
In the decisive final quarter, Pakistan’s resilience shone through. Muhammad Zain struck again in the 48th minute with another FG, putting Pakistan ahead 3-2. The final blow came in the 52nd minute when Sami Ullah calmly converted a penalty stroke (PS), sealing Pakistan’s place in the final of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup with a 4-2 victory.
| Team | Goals | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 4 | 2 Field Goals, 1 PC, 1 PS |
| Japan | 2 | 1 Field Goal, 1 PC |
With this victory, Pakistan maintained their unbeaten streak in the tournament, advancing to the final in style. Muhammad Zain’s remarkable two-goal performance and Sami Ullah’s composure in converting a penalty stroke were instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph.
The Green Shirts will face arch-rivals India in the final clash tonight.
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.