s2h team

KAKAMIGAHARA, JAPAN: The Indian U-18 Men’s Hockey Team showcased incredible character and resilience to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a high-voltage semi-final of the U-18 Men’s Asia Cup 2026 on Friday. Trailing 2-3 heading into the final quarter, India unleashed an outstanding attacking display in the dying minutes, propelled by a spectacular four-goal performance from forward Ashish Tani Purti, to secure their spot in the tournament’s summit clash.

The blockbuster match began with a tense and cautious opening as both sides fought fiercely for midfield control. India found their rhythm in the 12th minute when a brilliant run from their own half forced a defensive error from Pakistan, earning a penalty stroke. Purti stepped up to calmly convert it, giving India a 1-0 lead that held until the end of the first quarter.

Pakistan responded with aggressive pressure in the second quarter, earning a penalty corner in the 16th minute. Indian goalkeeper Ayush Rajak and defender Ansh Bahutra combined perfectly to save a powerful dragflick from Ahmad Uzair. However, Pakistan’s persistent pressing paid off in the 27th minute when Adeel intercepted a pass, cut through the Indian defense, and slotted home a field goal to make it 1-1 at halftime.

The third quarter treated fans to an intense, back-and-forth battle. India initially reclaimed the lead in the 35th minute when Shahrukh Ali capitalized on quick passing to smash the ball into the net. The celebration was short-lived, as Pakistan’s Muhammad Farhan Aslam struck back with a field goal just two minutes later. Pakistan then took the lead for the first time in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmad Qureshi converted a penalty corner with a precise dragflick, leaving India trailing 2-3 at the end of the quarter.

With their tournament lives on the line, the Indian colts launched a furious offensive in the final quarter. The intense pressure resulted in a green card for Pakistan’s Muzammil Saeed in the 46th minute. Capitalizing on the man advantage, India earned consecutive penalty corners, and Purti fired home a superb dragflick in the 49th minute to level the score at 3-3.

Completely dominating the final stretch, India earned a series of penalty corners that wore down the Pakistani defense. In the 53rd minute, Purti struck again with another brilliant penalty corner conversion, completing his hat-trick and putting India ahead 4-3. Just three minutes later, in the 56th minute, India won yet another penalty corner, and Purti was unstoppable once more, hitting the back of the net for his fourth goal of the match to extend the cushion to 5-3.

The young Indian lineup held their composure flawlessly in the final minutes, successfully defending their lead until the final whistle. With this thrilling comeback victory, India moves on to face hosts Japan in the final tomorrow (June 6) at 3:30 PM IST.