New Delhi: India produced a sensational comeback to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling semi-final of the U18 Men’s Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, securing a place in the final after a dominant final-quarter display.
The match began cautiously, with both teams battling for control in midfield. India struck first in the 12th minute when a swift move forced a defensive error from Pakistan, resulting in a penalty stroke. Forward Ashish Tani Purti converted the opportunity calmly to hand India a 1-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter and created several chances. Their persistence paid off in the 27th minute when Adeel intercepted a pass and scored a field goal to level the contest at 1-1 before halftime.
The third quarter witnessed end-to-end action. India regained the lead through Shahrukh Ali in the 35th minute, but Pakistan responded almost immediately as Muhammad Farhan Aslam found the net two minutes later. Pakistan then moved ahead for the first time when Uzair Ahmad Qureshi converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, giving his side a 3-2 advantage heading into the final quarter.
With a place in the final at stake, India launched an aggressive assault in the closing stages. The pressure eventually paid off when Ashish Tani Purti converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute to restore parity at 3-3.
India continued to dominate possession and create chances, earning a succession of penalty corners. Ashish completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute with another powerful drag-flick to put India back in front.
The Indian forward was not done yet. In the 56th minute, he struck again from a penalty corner, scoring his fourth goal of the match and extending India’s lead to 5-3.
India held firm in the closing minutes to seal a memorable victory and book their place in the final, where they will face Japan in the championship match.
