Pakistan reached the semifinal stage of the men’s Asia Cup after defeating tournament favorite India on the second day of play in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Pakistan outplayed India by 3-2 after a thrilling game. At the end of the first half, the match was tied by 1-1. In the 4^th minute Tariq Aziz of Pakistan scored a goal but umpire disallowed the goal. In the 15^th minute India got the first penalty corner and scored the goal on it by Parbjot Singh.

Pakistan got two penalty corners in 16^th and 21^st minutes but did not succeeded to score a goal. Pakistan’s Abdul Haseem Khan leveled the score in 33^rd minute by the mistake of Indian defender.

In the start of the second half Rehan Butt scored the second goal in 36^th minute. In 42^nd minute Pakistan missed another penalty corner. In 45^th minute Rajpal Singh scored a field goal and once again leveled the match by 2-2.

When the match entered in 46^th minute match was stopped due to the heavy showers and the match was stopped till 45 minutes. After the break in 54^th minute Sohail Abbas scored a goal on penalty corner and took Pakistan in commanding position. In the second half India got three penalty corners in 59^th, 60^th and 65^th minutes but they did not succeeded to level the match.

Pakistan in now on the top in pool B with four points and qualified for the semifinal stage. The second team of the pool B for semi final will be decided after the match between India and China on 12 May. India needs only win to qualify and China needs win or draw to qualify for the semifinal.

Results Men’s Asia Cup:

Pool B:

Pakistan – India 3-2 (1-1)

 

Ranking: 1. Pakistan 2-4 (4-3), China 1-1 (1-1), 3. India 1-0 (2-3)

Source: PHF