India defeat Pakistan in U-18 Asia Cup hockey semifinal

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk,SportsCafe Editor

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India drubbed Pakistan 3-1 in the semi-final of the U-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament at Dhaka yesterday and will now face hosts Bangladesh in the summit clash. The Blues comfortably took a three-goal lead before their neighbors pulled a consolation goal back.

India stamped its authority on the match early on itself - a seventh minute-goal from Shivam Anand put India ahead 1-0.

Both teams had scored a high number of goals in the group stage so an attacking encounter was expected. The teams did not disappoint. Through the half they attacked each other furiously. It was India who were more clinical in front of the goal, and three minutes from the end of the half, the Blues increased it to 2-0 with Dilpreet Singh’s penalty-corner conversion.

The second half had a similar start to the first, India on the ascendancy, controlling possession and applying the pressure. Soon enough they won a PC, and from the flick, a foul gave them a stroke. Waqar in Pakistan’s goal saved the stroke to keep his side in the game. Within minutes though, the third goal arrived, Nilam Sanjeep Xess scoring another PC to give India a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Pakistan soon started capitulating under the pressure, and two of their players were penalised for technical fouls in the latter stages of the game.

India put a decisive end to any Pakistani resistance with another penalty corner in the 46th minute from Nilam Sanjeep Xess. Pakistan finally managed a consolation goal in the 63rd minute through Amjad Ali Khan.

India's Kunwardilraj Singh was the Man of the Match for his performance in the semifinal.

India will now face hosts Bangladesh for the championship today at 2:30 PM.

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