Pakistan to face India in final of Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024

Pakistan is set to face India in the final of Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday, December 4.

The clash between the arch-rivals was confirmed after Pakistan defeated Japan 4-2 in the first semi-final today while defending champions India downed Malaysia 3-1 in the other last four clash.

It was a close contest between Pakistan and Japan as both teams fought for ascendancy for majority of the match.

The green shirts took the lead in the 12 minute of the second quarter through a stunning goal from captain Abdul Hannan Shahid. However, Tanaka Tsubasa equalized for Japan three minutes later to ensure that nothing separated the two sides at half-time.

Basharat Ali once again gave Pakistan the advantage with a goal in the third quarter after successfully converting a penalty corner but Japan were quick to bounce back with their second goal courtesy Yamanaka Rakusei.

However, in the fourth and final quarter, Pakistan stamped their authority as they notched up two goals in a space of four minutes to clinch the match. Hannan scored the third while Sufyan Khan bagged the fourth through a penalty stroke.

India eases past Malaysia

In the second semi-final of the day, India defeated Malaysia 3-1 to book their spot in the final.

India were in control throughout the match despite a spirited performance from Malaysia.

Dilraj Singh gave India the lead in the 10^th minute through a field goal, while Rohit doubled his side’s advantage in the first minute of the third quarter after successfully converting a penalty corner. Sharda Nand extended India’s lead to 3-0 in the fourth quarter as another penalty corner found the back of the net.

Kamaruddin Azimuddin scored a consolation goal for Malaysia, three minutes before the final hooter.

Both India and Pakistan faced each other in the final four times. However, India emerged successful three times and Pakistan just once.

In the finals held in 2004, 2015 and 2023 India downed Pakistan to claim titles while Pakistan defeated India 5-4 in penalty shootout in the 1996 edition final in Singapore.

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Overall, Pakistan has won the Junior Asia Cup title three times while India has been crowned champions on a record four occasions.

Fixtures on December 4

Thailand vs Korea - 7th and 8th place

Bangladesh vs China - 5th and 6th place

Japan vs Malaysia - 3rd and fourth place

Pakistan vs India - Final