Kakamigahara (Japan), June 3, 2026: A highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India has been confirmed in the semi-finals of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 after India secured a commanding 13-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite their emphatic win, India finished second in Pool A, as hosts and defending champions Japan maintained a perfect record by winning all four of their group-stage matches to top the standings.
Pakistan, meanwhile, secured first place in Pool B after a dominant 5-2 victory over Bangladesh earlier in the day. The Green Shirts finished level on points with Malaysia but claimed the top spot on the basis of a superior goal difference, setting up a blockbuster semi-final encounter against India on Friday.
The eagerly awaited contest will see two of Asia’s traditional hockey powerhouses battle for a place in the final of the continental championship.
Pakistan booked their place at the summit of Pool B with an impressive performance against Bangladesh, overcoming early resistance to register a convincing 5-2 victory.
The Green Shirts made a dream start when Abdullah Awan opened the scoring in just the second minute, giving Pakistan an early 1-0 advantage.
Bangladesh, however, responded strongly and drew level in the 11th minute through Islam Munna, ensuring the opening quarter ended at 1-1.
Pakistan dominated possession throughout the second quarter and earned three penalty corners but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving the scores level heading into halftime.
The breakthrough eventually came in the third quarter when Adeel restored Pakistan’s lead in the 32nd minute. Bangladesh once again fought back quickly as Islam Munna scored his second goal of the match three minutes later to make it 2-2.
Pakistan then took complete control of proceedings with two rapid goals. Haider Asam successfully converted a penalty corner to put his side ahead 3-2 before Abdullah Awan grabbed his second goal of the match, extending Pakistan’s advantage to 4-2 by the end of the third quarter.
In the closing stages, Najeeb Muhammad Yahya added the fifth goal in the 59th minute to seal a comprehensive victory and confirm Pakistan’s place at the top of the group standings.
India entered their final group-stage match needing a big performance and delivered exactly that, dismantling Chinese Taipei 13-1 in one of the most dominant displays of the tournament.
The massive victory ensured India finished runners-up in Pool A, although it was not enough to overtake unbeaten Japan, who completed the group phase with maximum points.
With the group stage now complete, Pakistan and India are set to renew one of hockey’s most celebrated rivalries in the semi-finals.
Pakistan will enter the match with confidence after topping Pool B and showcasing their attacking strength against Bangladesh, while India will be buoyed by their record-breaking victory over Chinese Taipei.
The winner of Friday’s encounter will secure a place in the final of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 and move one step closer to continental glory.
