Moqi, China: India produced a sensational attacking display at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026, defeating Pakistan 19-0 in the quarterfinal to book their place in the semifinals of the continental tournament.
The defending champions dominated the contest from the opening whistle and never allowed Pakistan to settle into the game. India’s relentless pressure produced goals throughout all four quarters, while Pakistan failed to find the net or earn a penalty corner.
Pooja Malik scores hat-trick as India run riot
Pooja Malik was one of the standout performers for India, completing a hat-trick in a match that saw the Indian attack operate at full intensity.
Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Madhu Sidar, Supriya and Roshni Aind also made major contributions, scoring two goals each. In total, 13 different Indian players found the back of the net, highlighting the depth and attacking variety within the team.
India established a commanding 10-0 lead by half-time, leaving Pakistan with a huge challenge to contain the Indian attack after the break.
The scoring did not slow down in the second half, with India adding nine more goals to complete the 19-0 victory.
India dominate penalty corners and attacking statistics
India's superiority was also evident in their ability to create attacking opportunities. The Indian side earned 18 penalty corners along with a penalty stroke during the match.
Pakistan, meanwhile, could not register a penalty corner and failed to score throughout the quarterfinal.
The result underlined India's control in both attack and defence and gave the defending champions one of their most emphatic wins of the tournament.
India unbeaten before quarterfinal clash
India entered the knockout stage after an impressive run in the Elite Pool.
The Indian junior women's team opened its campaign with a 4-1 victory over South Korea, followed by an 11-1 win against Malaysia. India then defeated Japan 7-0 before playing out a goalless draw against hosts China.
The draw against China still saw India finish at the top of the Elite Pool with 10 points from three wins and one draw, thanks to their superior goal difference.
That unbeaten run continued in emphatic fashion against Pakistan in the quarterfinal.
India eye third consecutive title
India are now just two wins away from defending their Women’s Junior Asia Cup crown.
The Indian junior women’s team won the previous two editions of the competition in 2023 and 2024 and are now aiming to complete a hat-trick of titles. Their latest 19-0 victory has further strengthened their position among the tournament favourites.
Who will India face in the semifinal?
India are scheduled to play their semifinal on September 12. Their opponent will be decided by the quarterfinal between South Korea and Malaysia.
With the team unbeaten so far and having already scored heavily against several opponents, India will enter the semifinal with considerable confidence as they continue their bid for a third successive Women’s Junior Asia Cup title.
India vs Pakistan: Key Match Highlights
- Result: India 19-0 Pakistan
- Tournament: Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026
- Stage: Quarterfinal
- Venue: Moqi, China
- India's leading scorer: Pooja Malik — 3 goals
- Two-goal scorers: Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Madhu Sidar, Supriya and Roshni Aind
- Indian players who scored: 13
- India's penalty corners: 18
- Pakistan's penalty corners: 0
- Half-time score: India 10-0 Pakistan
- India's semifinal: September 12
- India's target: Third consecutive Women’s Junior Asia Cup title
Comments
Join the conversation
Sign in with Google to comment on this article.