KAKAMIGAHARA, JAPAN, 28 September 2026 (Kamran Raja): Pakistan secured a place in the men’s hockey semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Oman 7-2 in their final Pool B match at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Monday. Rana Waheed Ashraf was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick in the 34th, 44th and 59th minutes. Sufyan Khan scored twice from penalty corners, while Ghazanfar Ali and Muhammad Ammad also found the net for Pakistan. Oman’s goals were scored by Al Baraa Al Nofli and Aiman Madit. Sufyan opened Pakistan’s scoring in the 22nd minute and doubled the lead six minutes later, before Waheed added Pakistan’s third goal in the 34th minute. Ghazanfar extended the advantage in the 40th minute, followed by Waheed’s second goal four minutes later and Ammad’s strike in the 46th minute. Waheed completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute to seal Pakistan’s 7-2 victory. Pakistan had earlier defeated Thailand, Uzbekistan and China, while their only Pool B defeat came against Malaysia, who won 5-4 on September 26. Pakistan finished second in Pool B behind Malaysia, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semi-finals. The last-four matches are scheduled for October 1.