DNA

TOKYO: Pakistan produced a dominant display to defeat Oman 7-2 in their final pool match, securing second place in Pool B and a place in the Asian Games men’s hockey semi-finals.

The Green Shirts finished behind Malaysia in the standings after suffering a costly 5-4 defeat against the Malaysians earlier in the competition. That loss ultimately denied Pakistan top spot in the pool and a potentially easier route in the knockout stage.

Had Pakistan finished first in Pool B, they would have faced either Japan or South Korea in the semi-finals. Instead, they must now take on arch-rivals India on October 1 in a blockbuster last-four clash.

India, ranked No. 8 in the world, will start as favorites against world No. 12 Pakistan. The encounter promises to be a fierce battle between two of Asia’s traditional hockey powerhouses.

Pakistan will also reflect on the missed opportunity against Malaysia. Despite Malaysia being ranked No. 14 in the world, two places below Pakistan, the narrow 5-4 defeat proved decisive in determining the final pool standings and has left the Green Shirts facing a much tougher path to the final.

With confidence boosted by their emphatic victory over Oman, Pakistan will now turn their focus to one of the biggest matches in international hockey as they aim to upset higher-ranked India and book a place in the Asian Games final.