Kakamigahara: Defending champions India survived a spirited Pakistan comeback before Abhishek struck with 45 seconds remaining to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory and book a place in the Asian Games hockey final here on Thursday.
India will face Malaysia, who defeated South Korea in the other semifinal, in Saturday’s title clash.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners in the fifth and 13th minutes, while Sukhjeet Singh added a field goal in the 23rd to hand India a commanding 3-0 lead.
Pakistan, however, fought back through Abu Mahmood (30th), Hannan Shahid (45th) and Waheed Rana (49th) to level the scores after India lost control of the contest in the second half.
Just when the match appeared headed for a shootout, Abhishek scored the winner from close range, with his effort taking a deflection off Pakistan defender Sufiyan and beating goalkeeper Ali Raza.
India dominated the opening half, creating several penalty-corner opportunities and controlling possession. Sukhjeet’s goal put them firmly in command before Mahmood reduced the deficit shortly before halftime.
Pakistan grew in confidence after the break and capitalised on India’s defensive lapses and fading midfield control to draw level at 3-3. The arch-rivals continued to press, but Abhishek’s late strike ultimately sent India into the final.
While the victory kept India’s title defence on track, their inability to protect a three-goal lead will be a concern ahead of the gold-medal clash against Malaysia.
