Pakistan booked their place in the final of the Nations Hockey Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over France with a penalty shootout during the first semi-final held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

Both teams started aggressively in the first quarter, attacking each other's goalposts with intensity, but neither side managed to score.

 

In the 10th minute of the second quarter, France broke the deadlock and took a 1-0 lead. The French side extended their advantage early in the third quarter, making it 2-0. However, Pakistan responded quickly as Rana Waheed Ashraf scored the first goal just three minutes later.

 

The momentum shifted further when Pakistan earned a penalty. Sufiyan Muqeem converted it in the 12th minute of the third quarter, and only a minute later, Rana Waheed struck again to give Pakistan a 3-2 lead.

 

In the dying moments of the fourth quarter, France equalised through Charlotte Victor, making it 3-3 and pushing the match into a penalty shootout.

 

Pakistan held their nerve in the shootout. Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman played a heroic role by saving attempts from Luke Wood Victor, Tineus Etienne, and Esmenjod Xavier. On the other end, Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Rana Waheed successfully converted their penalties to seal Pakistan's place in the final.

 

Pakistan will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Korea and New Zealand.