ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stormed into the semi-finals of the Asian Games 2026 after thrashing Oman 7-2 in their quarter-final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.
The Green Shirts made a strong start to the contest and went into half-time with a 2-1 lead before dominating the second half to seal a commanding victory.
Rana Waheed starred for Pakistan with a hat-trick, while Sufyan Khan scored twice. Ghazanfar Ali and Mohammad Imad also added one goal each.
Pakistan had 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 in five matches and conceded eight during the pool stage.
Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the semi-final on October 1.
Meanwhile, Pakistan also advanced to the Asian Games men’s cricket semi-finals after rain washed out their quarter-final against Hong Kong, China, in Nisshin, Japan.
The abandonment meant Pakistan progressed by virtue of being the better-ranked side, while Hong Kong’s campaign at the Games came to an end.
A few hours later, with rain in the air and no prospect of play for the same reason, India also progressed against Afghanistan.
Pakistan had entered the knockout stage directly alongside India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka by virtue of their rankings, while Hong Kong had secured their quarter-final place after finishing second in Group B.
