Pakistan will face India in the semi-final of the ongoing Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 after India secured a 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the 15th match of the continental tournament at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium.
Despite the big win in their final group-stage match, India finished second in Pool A behind Japan, who won all four of their matches to claim the top spot.
Pakistan finished first in Pool B with six points, ahead of Malaysia on superior goal difference. As a result, Pakistan will take on the second-placed team from Pool A, India, in the semi-final scheduled for Friday, June 5.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan confirmed their place at the top of Pool B with a 5-2 victory over Bangladesh at the same venue.
Pakistan made a strong start as Abdullah Awan scored in the second minute of the first quarter to give his side a 1-0 lead. Bangladesh responded quickly, with Islam Munna scoring the equalizer in the 11th minute. The opening quarter ended 1-1.
Pakistan dominated possession in the second quarter and earned three penalty corners, but they failed to convert any of them. The first half ended without any further goals.
Pakistan regained the lead in the third quarter when Adeel scored in the 32nd minute. However, Bangladesh replied almost immediately as Islam Munna scored his second goal of the match in the 35th minute to make it 2-2.
Pakistan then took control of the game with two quick goals. Haider Asam converted a penalty corner to make it 3-2, before Abdullah Awan scored his second goal of the match to extend Pakistan’s lead to 4-2 by the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, Najeeb Muhammad Yahya added Pakistan’s fifth goal in the 59th minute, sealing a 5-2 win for the Green Shirts.
The result confirmed Pakistan’s top-place finish in Pool B and set up a high-profile semi-final clash against India.
