Pakistan beat Oman in Asian Beach Games

Defending champions to face Kuwait in handball final.

MUSCAT: Pakistan ensured at least a silver after they beat Oman 8-6 on penalty shootouts in the handball event’s semi-final of the 2nd Asian Beach Games.

The match was tied 1-1 after Oman claimed the first game 20-18 before Pakistan hit back to draw level 18-15.

Pakistan’s Nasarullah, Shoaib, Iqbal, Khan and Muhammad Atif converted their shoots while goal-keeper Ali saved two to guide their team in the final. Pakistan face Kuwait, who thrashed Thailand 2-0 in the other match, hoping to add to their tally of two silver and an equal number of bronze medals.       Meanwhile, Pakistan outplayed the hosts 41-30 to move into the final of kabaddi where they will take on India.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2010.