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       LAHORE: Hannan Sha-h-id’s brace helped Paki-stan cruise into the Junior Hockey Asia Cup final after defeating Japan 4-2 on Tuesday.

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       Pakistan now face arch-rivals India, who downed Malaysia 3-1 in the other semi-final, in the decider being held in Oman on Wednesday.

       In a see-saw match, Pak-i-stan went in front after 27 minute of play through Ha-n--nan before Japan equ-a-lised shortly through Tsu-b-asa Tanaka.

       Basharat Ali put Pakistan in front again when he converted a penalty corner in the 38th minute.

       Japan, undeterred, aga-in restored parity when Rakusei Yamanaka scored early in the third quarter.

       But the 19-year-old young star Hannan struck again for the national team in the 48th minute and Mohammad Sufyan sealed the victory in the 52nd minute.

       Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024