Pakistan Thrash Oman 7-2, Set Up Asian Games Semi-Final Clash with India

Sports Desk

NAGOYA: Pakistan stormed into the semi-finals of the Asian Games 2026 with a commanding 7-2 victory over Oman at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena, setting up a highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals India on October 1.

India, ranked No. 8 in the world, will start as favourites against world No. 12 Pakistan. The encounter promises to be a fierce battle between two of Asia’s traditional hockey powerhouses.

Pakistan started the quarter-final on the front foot and held a 2-1 lead at half-time. Rana Waheed led the scoring with a hat-trick, converting penalty corners in the 34th, 44th and 59th minutes to cap a dominant performance by Pakistan.

Sufyan Khan opened Pakistan’s scoring from a penalty corner in the 22nd minute and doubled the advantage six minutes later. Waheed then struck to give Pakistan a 3-1 lead before the interval.

Ghazanfar Ali extended Pakistan’s advantage in the 40th minute, scoring from open play, before Waheed added his second four minutes later. Muhammad Ammad scored Pakistan’s sixth goal in the 46th minute, before Waheed completed his hat-trick late in the match.

Oman’s goals came from Al Baraa Al Nofli in the 27th minute, while Aiman Madit scored in the 36th. Pakistan enjoyed 58 percent possession and earned 11 penalty corners, compared with none for Oman. Oman had two video referrals, while Pakistan had three.

Pakistan finished second in Pool B with 12 points, behind Malaysia, who topped the group with 15 points. Pakistan won four of their five pool matches, with their only defeat coming against Malaysia. The team scored 28 goals across five matches and conceded eight.

With confidence boosted by their emphatic victory over Oman, Pakistan will now turn their focus to one of the biggest matches in international hockey as they aim to overcome higher-ranked India and book a place in the Asian Games final.