Pakistan, India set to clash in  Junior Hockey Asia Cup final

Salalah: Pakistan and India to face off in finals of Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2023. Pakistani squad thrashed Malaysia 6-2 in the Junior Hockey Asia Cup semifinal thanks to an impressive hat-trick from Abdul Rehman.

Parabo Tangaraja's goal gave Malaysia the early advantage in the 21st minute, but Muhammad Safyan's goal in the 42nd minute quickly tied the game.

Then, in the 44th minute, Abdul Rehman demonstrated his talent by netting his maiden goal. Malaysia, however, quickly countered and tied the score a minute later.

Abdul Hannan demonstrated superb play and scored a field goal in the 47th minute to give his team the lead and put the opponent on the back foot.

In order to complete his hat trick and strengthen their position, Abdul Rehman continued his remarkable performance by scoring two goals in short succession in the 48th and 51st minutes.

In a dramatic turn of events in Oman, Abrar Ahmed's goal in the 58th minute gave Pakistan a resounding 6-2 victory.

With their convincing victory, the Green Shirts advanced to their third consecutive and seventh overall Junior Hockey Asia Cup final.

They will play their arch-rivals, India, in the eagerly awaited championship game after India defeated South Korea 9-1 in the earlier semifinal.

Following a thrilling matchup in the group round that ended in a 1-1 tie, Pakistan and India are both still unbeaten in the competition.