LivePakistan

LAHORE: India defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the first semi-final of the 6th Men’s Junior Asia Cup Hockey in Hyderabad, India on Wednesday. India were leading 1-0 at half-time.

According to information received here, the Pakistan forwards failed to deliver goods as their efforts fizzled out due to lack of finish. In all it was the hosts’ day as their defender Dewaker drag-flicked to forge India ahead in the 10th minute. Thereafter, the exchanges were fought evenly but Pakistan failed to capitalize on chances that came their way.

On resumption, India fully exploited Pakistan’s defensive mistakes and from a faulty clearance got their second penalty corner in the 40th minute. Dewaker doubled the lead with perfect conversion. Pakistan came back to life when defender Kashif Ali reduced the deficit from a penalty corner in the 50th minute. The green shirts failed to force their way as India’s defence kept them in check. India put the issue beyond doubt in the 60th minute from a field goal. “We didn’t play well,” said a dejected chief coach Jehangir Butt after the match. “In fact, defensive mistakes cost us this match. The forwards did try their best but failed to avail chances.” Pakistan will play against the loser of second semi-final for the third place position.