World · India Bureau
India Edge Pakistan in Asian Games Thriller to Secure Final Berth
India's defending champions survived a dramatic second-half collapse to defeat Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling Asian Games 2026 semi-final. Abhishek's last-gasp goal proved decisive as the arch-rivals mounted an extraordinary comeback bid.
LSN India ·
India advanced to the Asian Games 2026 final after a pulsating semi-final encounter against Pakistan that saw the defending champions weather an extraordinary fightback. Despite establishing a commanding 3-0 lead, India found themselves pegged back to 3-3 as Pakistan mounted an unlikely surge during a crucial spell of the match.
The turning point came in the final moments when Abhishek struck to restore India's advantage and secure a 4-3 victory at full-time. The goal handed India their passage through to the championship decider, extending their bid for a successive Asian Games title.
Pakistan's resurgence in the closing stages of the semi-final will offer the team encouragement as they prepare for their remaining fixtures in the tournament. For India, the narrow margin of victory against their traditional rivals suggests the final will prove equally competitive.