Pakistan has booked a place in the men’s team squash final at the Asian Games in Nagoya after defeating Hong Kong 2-1 in a closely contested semifinal.
In the opening match, Noor Zaman won the first game 12-10 against Hong Kong’s Lau Tsz Kwan. However, the Hong Kong player fought back to win the next three games 11-3, 11-6 and 11-5, giving his team an early advantage.
Pakistan levelled the tie through Muhammad Asim Khan, who defeated Leung Chi Hin Henry in straight games, winning 11-5, 13-11 and 11-7 in 23 minutes.
In the decisive third match, Nasir Iqbal recovered strongly after losing the opening game 12-10 to Lai Cheuk Nam. He won the next three games 11-3, 11-9 and 14-12 to seal Pakistan’s 2-1 victory and secure a place in the final.
Pakistan will compete for the gold medal on Friday, with either India or Malaysia set to face the Pakistani team in the final.