Pakistan thrash Malaysia 4-2 to reach Asia Cup final

Rehan Butt consolidated Pakistan’s lead in the 64th minute

 with his second goal of the match

Pakistan stormed into the final of the eighth Asia Cup hockey tournament after thrashing hosts Malaysia 4-2 on Thursday at the Kuantan hockey stadium.Malaysia scored the first goal of the match in the third minute when Abu Ismail struck from the left-hand side of the circle. However, star striker Rehan Butt brought Pakistan level in the 18th minute when he converted a free-hit to equalise.Pakistan took the lead in the second half (45th minute) with another free-hit, this time converted by Akhtar Ali on a pass from Mohammad Imran.Butt consolidated Pakistan’s lead in the 64th minute with his second goal of the match – a superb long-range strike from the midfield.Pakistan’s fourth goal was scored by Haseem Khan three minutes from time, as he converted a pass from Akhtar Ali to seal the win for Pakistan A consolation goal was scored by Engku Malek in added time, just before the full-time hooter went off. Pakistan will now play South Korea, who routed China 5-1 in the first semi-final, in the final on Saturday.