Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2026: Pakistan advance to semi-finals after beating Malaysia

Pakistan secured a place in the semi-finals of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2026 with a dominant 5-2 victory in a crucial Pool B match against Malaysia at the Moqi Training Base in China on Tuesday.

The win marked Pakistan’s third consecutive victory in the tournament, taking them to the top of Pool B with nine points.

Malaysia and China are level on six points, with their crucial encounter on Wednesday set to determine the second semi-finalist from the group.

After making a brighter start, Malaysia took the lead in the ninth minute when Muhammad Salehi found the net, putting Pakistan under early pressure.

Pakistan responded emphatically after the interval, producing a powerful attacking display that completely shifted the momentum in their favour.

Nadeem Khan restored parity in the 32nd minute before Abdullah Sami Rana struck four minutes later to put Pakistan 2-1 ahead.

Waleed Rana then took centre stage, scoring twice in quick succession in the 39th and 40th minutes. His back-to-back goals gave Pakistan a commanding 4-1 lead and left Malaysia struggling to cope with the pressure.

Ali Hamza completed Pakistan’s five-goal blitz in the 41st minute, extending their advantage to 5-1. His impressive performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Malaysia pulled a goal back in the 54th minute through Ganaselen Dhirsh, but Pakistan remained composed in the closing stages to protect their three-goal advantage and seal a 5-2 victory.

The result further underlined Pakistan’s impressive campaign, with the team still unbeaten in the tournament. Their attacking efficiency and dominant second-half display proved decisive against Malaysia.

Pakistan will conclude their Pool B campaign against Bangladesh on Wednesday.