In the fourth Under-18 Asia Hockey Cup, Pakistan will play against India in the semi final match on Thursday. Pakistani coach Mudassar Ali Khan said that confidence of Pakistani players is high after winning all the matches and they are hopeful to reach final after defeating India. Indian coach said that their players are working hard to play against Pakistan. This match is very important for them and they will try to win the match with aggressive play.
The 2nd semifinal match will be played between Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. The Under-18 Asia Hockey Cup is underway in Bangladesh where 7 teams are playing in two groups. India, Oman and Bangladesh are in pool A while Pakistan, China, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong are placed in pool B.
Pakistan is so far undefeated in the event after 3 consecutive victories. Pakistan has defeated Chinese Taipei 6-1, China 6-0 and Hong Kong 14-0 in pool matches. So far, Pakistan has scored 26 goals in the event while only 1 goal can be scored against the team.
On the other hand, India suffered surprising defeat against Bangladesh by 5-4 which is the first victory of Bangladesh against India in U-18 international matches. In second match, India came back strongly and defeated Oman by 11-0.
Both Pakistan and India have won the Asian Cup title. Pakistan became champion in 2009 and took bronze medal in 2011. India took 1st position in the event in 2001.