India Vs Pakistan U18 Asia Cup: India Overcome Pakistan In 5-3 Victory To Face Japan In Final

India reached the U18 Men's Asia Cup final after a fierce 5-3 win over Pakistan, capped by a late surge led by forward Ashish Tani Purti. India trailed 2-3 at the end of the third quarter, yet scored three unanswered goals in the final period to turn the semi-final around in Kakamigahara.

Ashish struck four times, including a first-half penalty stroke and three second-half penalty corners, to carry India past their long-time rivals. Shahrukh Ali added one goal, while Pakistan replied through Adeel, Muhammad Farhan Aslam and Uzair Ahmad Qureshi, who kept their side ahead until the final quarter.

U18 Men's Asia Cup semi-final: India’s late charge sinks Pakistan

The closing stretch belonged completely to India, who attacked with purpose once the final quarter began. Persistent pressure forced a green card for Pakistan player Muzammil Saeed in the 46th minute. India quickly forced back-to-back penalty corners, and from the second opportunity in the 49th minute, Ashish drove in a sharp dragflick to level the scores at 3-3.

India stayed on the front foot after that equaliser, collecting several more penalty corners as Pakistan’s defence came under strain. The breakthrough arrived again in the 53rd minute when Ashish converted another penalty corner, sealing a hat-trick and pushing India 4-3 ahead. Pakistan tried to clear their lines, but India continued to press high and control territory.

U18 Men's Asia Cup semi-final: key moments and scoring timeline

The match had opened in tight fashion, with both teams cautious and focused on the midfield contest. India’s first real chance came from a long run starting deep in their half during the 12th minute. A defensive error by Pakistan resulted in a penalty stroke, which Ashish took calmly to hand India a 1-0 advantage that lasted through the first quarter.

Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter and gained their first penalty corner in the 16th minute. Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak and defender Ansh Bahutra combined to block Ahmad Uzair’s powerful dragflick, but Pakistan maintained the pressure. In the 27th minute, Adeel intercepted a pass, drove through the defence and struck a field goal, making it 1-1 at half-time.

The third quarter brought swift swings in momentum. India went 2-1 ahead in the 35th minute when Shahrukh Ali finished off a quick passing move with a firm shot. Pakistan replied almost at once, as Muhammad Farhan Aslam netted a field goal in the 37th minute. Their first lead arrived in the 42nd minute, when Uzair Ahmad Qureshi scored from a penalty corner dragflick.

India’s final push did not slow after regaining the lead. Another penalty corner in the 56th minute saw Ashish hit the target yet again, giving India a 5-3 cushion with four minutes left.

India then managed the clock, stayed organised in defence and closed out the contest, sealing a place in the U18 Men's Asia Cup title match against hosts Japan.

India colts will take on Japan on 6 June at 3:30 PM IST in the titular clash. All matches are streamed live on the Asian Hockey Federation's official YouTube channel.