India reached the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 after a 5-3 win against Pakistan in the second semi-final at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Friday.
Both sides started the knockout battle with high intensity and attacking intent, delivering a fast-paced opening quarter.
India were awarded a penalty after a review by Pakistan failed to overturn the on-field decision. Purti Ashish Tani made no mistake from the spot in the 12th minute to give the Blueshirts an early lead.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter, creating several chances from penalty corners, but failed to convert either chance.
However, Adeel produced a moment of quality in the 27th minute, finishing clinically to get the Green Shirts back on level terms at 1-1 by half-time.
In the third quarter, India pushed forward with greater urgency, while Pakistan remained disciplined and looked dangerous on the counter.
India regained the lead in the 35th minute through Ali Shahrukh, who struck to make it 2-1. Pakistan hit back almost immediately, with Muhammad Farhan Aslam finding the net in the 37th minute to restore parity at 2-2.
Pakistan then took the lead in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmed converted a penalty corner to put the Green Shirts 3-2 heading into the final quarter.
However, the latter period belonged to India. Purti Ashish Tani leveled the match again in the 38th minute from a penalty corner before completing his hat-trick in the 53rd minute to put India 4-3 ahead.
He later added a fourth goal in the closing stages as India took full control of the match and sealed a 5–3 win.
India will take on Japan in the grand final at the same venue on Saturday.
