HULUNBUIR CITY: Pakistan qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 after thumping China 5-1 at the Moqi Hockey Training Base here.

Abdul Rehman opened the scoring for Pakistan before Nadeem Ahmed and Hannan Shahid scored two goals each to secure a dominant 5-1 victory for the Green Shirts. This is Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament as they defeated Japan 2-1 yesterday after two drawn games. Ahmad Nadeem opened the scoring against Japan in the ninth minute after finding Shahid Hannan and sending the ball to the back of the net. Sufyan Khan soon doubled Pakistan’s lead in the 21st minute with a sublime drag flick. However, Raiki Fujishima helped Japan make a subtle comeback six minutes later and reduced the deficit. Japan made efforts to level the scores, but the Green Shirts’ dominant gameplay maintained their lead until the final hooter. Prior to this game, Pakistan’s second fixture in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy ended in a 2-2 draw as they failed to defend their narrow one-goal lead in the final quarter against South Korea.