Pakistan outclass Sri Lanka to enter Junior Asian Hockey semi-finals

Pakistan routed Sri Lanka 14-0 to march in to the semi-finals where they will face South Korea on May 10.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan outclassed Sri Lanka by a huge margin of 14-0 to qualify for the semi-final of the 7th Junior Men's Asian Cup Hockey tournament, underway in Malacca, Malaysia on Monday.     

A four goal-haul by Muhammad Tousiq followed by hat-tricks from Umar Bhutta and Muhammad Taufeeq led Pakistan to victory.

Muhammad Dilber, Muhammad Irfan and Muhammad Suleman scored braces apiece while Muhammad Jaffar netted one goal, a press release said.

In a separate match, India eked out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over China in their last pool match to enter the semi-finals.

The semi-finals will be played between India and Malaysia while South Korea will face Pakistan in the other semi-final on Thursday.

Muhammad Asif Bajwa, the secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has promised the nation that the team will try its level best to win the Junior Asia Cup. "I request the nation to pray for the team for a victory in the semi-final against Korea," he said.