Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after defeating host China 5-1.
In the ongoing tournament in China, Pakistan put the hosts under pressure from the start. While no team scored in the first quarter, Abdul Rahman gave Pakistan the lead in the eighth minute of the second quarter.
In the third quarter, Pakistan continued their strong performance. Nadeem Ahmed doubled the lead with a goal in the 11th minute. Although Pakistan was awarded a penalty stroke, captain Imad Butt missed the opportunity.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Hanan Shahid scored on a penalty corner, extending Pakistan’s lead to 3-0. China’s Cheng Hung later scored on a penalty corner, making it 3-1.
Four minutes before the match ended, Pakistan added two more goals to secure a 5-1 victory over China and advance to the semi-finals.
This victory marks Pakistan’s second success in the tournament. They will next face traditional rivals India on Saturday, with India remaining unbeaten so far.
