Pakistan to face India for berth in hockey final

The asian hockey giants will meet againg for a berth in the three-nation tournament today three days after their players brawled during an earlier match.With Australia already in the final following thumping triumphs against the two former Asian giants, the winners of the Pakistan-India encounter will feature in the title clash against the hosts on Nov. 3 in Perth.Pakistan and India played out a 3-3 draw the last time they met in the double-header – an ill-tempered match that was stopped 95 seconds before the final whistle after players from the rival teams got engaged in a free for all.Several players from both sides were injured and later after a probe, Tournament Director Graham Napier banned Indian hockey team manager, assistant manager and three players for matches ranging from one to five while Pakistan captain Shakeel Abbasi was banned for one match last Saturday.Two of Pakistan’s key players Muhammad Imran and Shafqat Rasool received injuries and were forced to miss Sunday’s crucial match against Australia. The Aussies, who were leading 3-2 at half time, went on to thrash Pakistan 8-2 in the match. Skipper Abbasi also missed Sunday’s match because of the suspension.However, Pakistan will be back to full strength, as Abbasi will return to lead them against India for a match that is virtually a semifinal with the winning team setting a date with Australia in the finale. Shafqat Rasool is set to be back while Imran is also likely to be fielded in the match.