Pakistan defeated Japan as they qualify for the semi-final of the ongoing Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2023.

Their 3-2 victory also means that they secured a place in the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup, which will be played in Malaysia.

Japan, in the second minute of the game, Kompi Yoshida gave them the lead on a penalty corner.

Pakistan’s Arbaaz scored the equaliser on a penalty corner in the 23rd minute of the game. In the 30th minute, Abdul Wahab scored a field goal to give Pakistan the lead, but in the 38th minute, Japan’s Hota Yamada equalised the match once again.

For Pakistan, Abdul Wahab scored twice and Arbaaz Ahmed scored one goal in the match played in Salalah in Oman.

In the semi-final, Pakistan will face Malaysia on May 31.

Pakistan only needed to avoid defeat in their final pool match against Japan in order to qualify for the World Cup after their match against India ended with a draw.