Rajgir: India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Men’s Asia Cup with a 3-2 win over Japan in Rajgir on Sunday, thanks to a brace from captain Harmanpreet Singh.
The hosts made a flying start, with Mandeep Singh opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Harmanpreet then doubled India’s advantage from a penalty corner just a minute later, his trademark drag flick once again proving decisive.
Japan, fresh from a 7-0 thrashing of Kazakhstan earlier in the tournament, found themselves struggling to convert chances, squandering nine penalty corners. By contrast, India made the most of their four opportunities, with Harmanpreet striking again in the 46th minute to restore a two-goal cushion after Kosei Kawabe had pulled one back for Japan in the third quarter.
A late goal from Japan in the 59th minute reduced the deficit, but it was not enough to deny India a second straight win of the competition. Abhishek, whose relentless pressing and movement troubled the Japanese defence throughout, was named player of the match.
The game also marked a milestone for goalkeeper Krishna B Pathak, who made his 150th international appearance and was honoured before the match by Bihar ministers Bijendra Yadav and Shravan Kumar.
Earlier on Sunday, China recorded a resounding 13-1 victory over Kazakhstan on the third day of the tournament.
