Birmingham: India stormed into the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games men’s hockey meet with a dominating 4-1 win over Wales in its final Pool B match here on Thursday.
The Indian women also qualified for the last-four stage a day earlier, following a hard-fought 3-2 win versus Canada.
Vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh was the major contributor, netting a hat-trick – penalty corner conversions in the 19th and 20th minute, penalty stroke in 40th minute — while Gurjant Singh struck a field goal in the 49th minute.
India are on top of Pool B, having completed their engagements with 10 points. They will be group toppers unless England thrash Canada by a 15-goal margin in their final fixture.
Finishing as group champions will help India avoid facing nemesis Australia in the semifinal. Australia have ensured first place in Group A with a game in hand, winning all three matches so far. Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa are in the race for the second spot.
