Hockey: Pakistan thrash Sri Lanka 14-0, enter semis

Unbeaten junior team qualifies for Asia Cup’s last-four.

KARACHI: Pakistan pummelled a hapless Sri Lanka 14-0 to cruise into the semi-finals of the Junior Asia Cup hockey in Malaysia and also sealed their berth in next year’s Junior World Cup.

Mohammad Tauseeq and captain Umer Bhutta were instrumental in Pakistan’s success as the team now prepares to take on South Korea on May 10 for a place in the final. The young brigade put up an impressive performance against the islanders and scored regularly. Tauseeq was the player of the match for Pakistan with four goals. Mohammad Dibar and Mohammad Irfan, who scored against India earlier in the tournament, also hit a brace each along with Mohammad Suleman. Mohammad Jaffer scored one goal.

Pakistan finished top of pool B while defending champions India finished second.

“This was a team effort that helped us win with such a margin,” said coach Rana Mujahid.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2012.