India Edge Past Pakistan to Reach U18 Hockey Asia Cup Final

India have reached the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 after a 5-3 win over Pakistan in a nail-biting second semi-final of the tournament. Both teams started the knockout match with high energy and attacking play, making it a fast and intense opening quarter.

India got a penalty stroke after Pakistan’s review failed to change the on-field decision. Purti Ashish Tani stepped up and scored from the spot in the 12th minute to put the Indian team ahead early.

Pakistan pushed back in the second quarter and won several penalty corners, but they could not turn any of them into goals. But then, Adeel came up with a fine finish in the 27th minute, helping the green shirts level the score at 1-1 before half-time.

The third quarter had India going on the attack more often, while Pakistan stayed organized and looked threatening on counter-attacks. India moved back in front in the 35th minute through Ali Shahrukh, who produced a scintillating strike to make it 2-1. Pakistan replied quickly, with Muhammad Farhan Aslam scoring in the 37th minute to level things again at 2-2.

Pakistan then took the lead in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmed scored from a penalty corner, making it 3-2 as they went into the final quarter.

However, the last quarter went India’s way. Purti Ashish Tani brought the game level again in the 38th minute from a penalty corner, then completed his hat-trick in the 53rd minute to put India ahead 4-3. The ace striker then scored again in the final moments, as India took charge of the match and wrapped up a 5-3 win over the archrivals. They will now meet Japan in the all-important U18 Hockey Asia Cup final on Saturday, which is expected to be a thrilling contest.