Pakistan, June 4 -- Pakistan booked their place in the semifinals of the Men's Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Tournament with a convincing 5-2 victory over Bangladesh in a lively group-stage encounter played in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Wednesday.

The tournament, organised by the Asian Hockey Federation, is being held from May 29 to June 6 in Japan.

Pakistan made a dominant start, opening the scoring as early as the third minute through Abdullah, who returned later in the match to double his personal tally. Adeel, Asam and Muhammad Yahya contributed one goal each to complete a commanding five-goal haul. Bangladesh pulled back through Tarik Islam and Monna Islam, but never threatened to overturn Pakistan's firm grip on the contest.

Muhammad Yah...