Abhishek scores twice as India beat Japan 4-1 to reach Asian Champions Trophy semi-finals

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the men's Asian Champions Trophy with a 4-1 win over Japan at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Friday, powered by a brace from forward Abhishek.

It was a third successive victory for the five-time champions, after a 13-0 thrashing of Bangladesh and a 5-2 win over China earlier in the week.

A tight first half

Japan made the hosts work hard in the opening half. Abhishek gave India the lead in the 11th minute with a well-worked field goal, but Japan levelled four minutes later when Shota Yamada converted a penalty stroke. India did not earn a single penalty corner before half-time, and the score stayed 1-1 through the third quarter.

Three goals in the final quarter

The match turned in the last 15 minutes. Captain Harmanpreet Singh struck from a penalty corner in the 47th minute, Abhishek added his second in the 51st, and Vishnu Kant Singh sealed the result in the 56th.

Abhishek, who was playing his 150th international match, was named Player of the Match. He said the team's plan in the final quarter was "to control the game and press higher", crediting head coach Craig Fulton's half-time instructions.

Standings and next match

India top the table with nine points and a goal difference of plus 19. Malaysia, who beat Bangladesh 6-1 on Friday, also have nine points but a goal difference of plus 8. Japan are third on six points, and South Korea, 2-1 winners over China, have three. China and Bangladesh are yet to score a point.

India's next match is against Malaysia on Sunday, November 1, at 7 pm IST in Jalandhar, a game likely to decide who finishes first in the group stage.

For Indian fans, the home tournament offers a chance to see the national team against Asia's leading sides. India, unbeaten so far, will be aiming to add to their five previous Asian Champions Trophy titles when the knockout stage begins.