India reached the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 on Friday after securing a 5-3 victory over Pakistan in the second semi-final at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium.
Both teams started the knockout clash with high intensity and attacking intent, producing a fast-paced first quarter.
India were awarded a penalty stroke after a review by Pakistan failed to overturn the decision on the field. Purti Ashish Tani made no mistake from the penalty spot in the 12th minute to give the Blue Shirts an early lead.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter, creating several penalty chances, but failing to convert either opportunity.
However, Adeel produced a moment of quality in the 27th minute, finishing clinically to bring the Green Shirts level at 1-1 at half-time.
In the third quarter, India advanced with more urgency, while Pakistan remained disciplined and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
India regained the lead in the 35th minute through Ali Shahrukh, who scored to make it 2-1. Pakistan hit back almost immediately, with Muhammad Farhan Aslam finding the net in the 37th minute to restore parity at 2-2.
Pakistan then took the lead in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmed converted a penalty corner to put the Green Shirts ahead 3-2 heading into the final quarter.
But the last period belonged to India. Purti Ashish Tani leveled the contest again in the 38th minute from a penalty corner before completing his hat-trick in the 53rd minute to put India 4-3 ahead.
He then added a fourth goal in the closing stages as India took complete control of the match and sealed a 5-3 victory.
India will face Japan in the grand final at the same venue on Saturday.
