India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling Asian Games hockey semi-final on Thursday, scoring the decisive goal in the final minute to book their place in the gold-medal match.
The closely contested encounter saw India take a commanding early lead before Pakistan produced a remarkable comeback to level the score in the fourth quarter.
India make strong start
India captain Harmanpreet Singh gave his side the lead in the fifth minute before adding a second goal eight minutes later to put India 2-0 ahead.
Sukhjeet Singh further strengthened India’s position when he scored in the 23rd minute, leaving Pakistan three goals behind.
Pakistan, however, refused to surrender and began mounting pressure as the match progressed.
Pakistan complete dramatic comeback
Abu Mahmood pulled one back for Pakistan in the 30th minute, giving his team renewed hope.
Hannan Shahid then scored a field goal in the 45th minute to reduce India’s advantage to just one goal.
Pakistan beat China 3-0 for third straight Asian Games hockey win
Pakistan completed the comeback four minutes later when Rana Waheed Ashraf found the net in the 49th minute to level the contest at 3-3.
With the match appearing to be heading towards a penalty shootout, both teams pushed for the decisive goal.
Abhishek seals India’s victory
India’s Abhishek produced the decisive moment in the 60th minute, scoring in the final minute to restore India’s lead and secure a 4-3 victory.
The result sends India into the Asian Games hockey final, where they will face either Malaysia or South Korea for the gold medal.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will compete for the bronze medal against the losing semi-finalist from the other last-four encounter.
