ISLAMABAD: Defensive lapses shattered Pakistan’s final dream as India rallied to win Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey semis.
A string of costly defensive blunders dashed Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the final of the Asian Under-18 Hockey Cup as arch-rivals India staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 5-3 victory in a pulsating semi-final on Friday. Pakistan appeared firmly on course for a memorable win after fighting back to take a 3-2 lead heading into the final quarter. However, a series of avoidable defensive mistakes inside the striking circle proved disastrous, allowing India to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The turning point came when Pakistan defenders, under little pressure, repeatedly allowed the ball to strike their feet inside the circle instead of controlling it with their sticks. On three separate occasions in the final quarter, the mistakes gifted India penalty corners. Two of those infringements occurred when there was no immediate attacking threat, making the errors even more costly.
India capitalised ruthlessly, converting three penalty corners to completely overturn the contest and book a place in the final. The match began with India taking an early lead through Tani Ashish, who successfully converted a penalty stroke. Pakistan responded strongly, with Adeel restoring parity to keep the contest evenly poised.
India regained the advantage when Shahrukh struck in the 35th minute to make it 2-1. Pakistan once again showed resilience as Muhammad Farhan levelled the scores at 2-2 in the 37th minute.
Pakistan then seized the initiative in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmed brilliantly converted a penalty corner, giving his side a deserved 3-2 lead and putting them within touching distance of the final.
But the advantage proved short-lived. Ashish emerged as India’s hero, converting three successive penalty corners in the closing stages to complete his four-goal haul and propel India to a remarkable 5-3 victory.
The defeat leaves Pakistan to reflect on what might have been after producing one of their most spirited displays of the tournament, only to be undone by a handful of costly defensive lapses. In the other semi-final, tournament favorites Japan underlined their title credentials with a crushing 8-1 victory over Malaysia, setting up a mouth-watering final against India.
