Pakistan romp into semis

Pakistan had things their way as they whipped Malaysia 3-1 in the concluding league match of Group B in the Prime Minister's Gold Cup hockey tournament, in Dhaka, on Friday.

The result saw Pakistan finish on top of the group with 12 points from four matches.

In the semi-finals, slated for Sunday, they take on Group A second placers Japan, who finished second to India.

In the other semi-final, India play Egypt, who finished second behind Pakistan in Group B.

Pakistan led 2-0 at the breather in their match against Malaysia on Friday. Zeeshan Ashraf (20th and 29th minutes) scored bothe the goals before Kamran Ashraf could increase the tally in the 40th minute of the second session.

Shan Muganathan reduced the margin for Malaysia in the 65th minute.

In another match, in the same group, Egypt got the better of Ireland by the odd goal in three to register their second victory from four matches and finish second in the group with six points.

Adnan El Sayed (21st minute) and Belal Ibrahim (56th minute) scored for the winners, while Justin Sherriff (40th minute) pulled one back for Ireland.

The final will be played on March 20.