MOHSIN ALI
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan powered into the semi-finals of the Asian Games 2026 with a commanding 7-2 victory over Oman in their quarter-final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.
The Green Shirts made a strong start to the knockout clash and went into half-time with a 2-1 advantage before taking complete control of the contest in the second half.
Rana Waheed led Pakistan’s charge with a hat-trick, while Sufyan Khan struck twice. Ghazanfar Ali and Mohammad Imad also added one goal each as Pakistan completed a comprehensive win.
Pakistan had finished second in Pool B with 12 points, behind Malaysia, who topped the pool with 15 points. Pakistan won four of their five pool matches, with their only loss coming against Malaysia.
Across the five pool fixtures, Pakistan scored 28 goals and conceded eight.
The Green Shirts will now take on arch-rivals India in the semi-final on October 1.
Meanwhile, Pakistan also reached the semi-finals of the Asian Games men’s cricket event after rain washed out their quarter-final against Hong Kong, China, in Nisshin, Japan.
With the match abandoned, Pakistan advanced by virtue of being the better-ranked side, bringing Hong Kong’s campaign at the Games to an end. Pakistan had entered the knockout stage directly alongside India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on the basis of their rankings, while Hong Kong had booked their quarter-final spot after finishing second in Group B.
A few hours later, India also moved ahead against Afghanistan as rain left no prospect of play.
