Busan: For once India was not bogged down by pressure as it scored a memorable 4-3 "golden jubilee" victory over arch rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage semi-final of men's hockey to keep itself on course for a gold medal en core in the Asian Games on Thursday.

Riding on a superb brace by star forward Dhanraj Pillay in the first half, defending champions India sent Pakistan packing to score its 50th win in 63 matches in the Games.

Pitted against an unfavourable record and the unpredictably talented Pakistan side, India ensured it did not let the advantage slip. On Saturday India will meet South Korea, which defeated Malaysia 2-0 in the other semi-final, in a repeat of the 1998 final at Bangkok.

This was India's only second victory over Pakistan in Asian Games in 11 meetings. The win, which came in an emotionally charged atmosphere with vociferous supporters egging on their respective teams, also avenged India's defeat to Pakistan in the third-place playoff in Champions Trophy recently.

The encounter, billed by both teams as the actual final, was the third between the two countries in just over a month. Daljit Singh and Gagan Ajit Singh were the other scorers for India while penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas, who also scored two goals, and Shabbir Muhuammed struck for Pakistan.

The match, which was locked 2-2 at half-time, was not without the drama that characterises every India-Pakistan encounter with some supporters throwing plastic bottles even as the Indians hugged each other in sheer joy.

The tension, which had started to build up even before the national anthems of both countries were played, saw Australian Referee Murray Grime give marching orders to Pakistan's Muhammad Naeem.

Besides Naeem, five others were slapped with yellow cards. But Indians did not let the pressure affect them or so it seemed as they played like men possessed and showed no weaknesses in their game.

Pillay, the fulcrum of the Indian attack in all its major victories in the recent past, once again masterminded the strike force and midfield and never hesitated to fall back and help the defenders.

Playing as a withdrawn forward, it was Pillay who got the breakthrough for India in the 6th minute. A free hit from the left by Jugraj Singh went past a few defenders and Pillay, on the run, flicked the ball home.

But Pakistan restored parity in the 10th minute when Viren Rasquinha's hard tackle on Nadeem Muhammad resulted in a penalty corner for Pakistan. Sohail Abbas unleashed a vicious drag flick which beat goal-keeper Devesh Chauhan, who was otherwise brilliant effecting two superb saves off penalty corners.

The match became rough as time wore on, as Pakistan was frustrated after being unable to weave any pattern in the Indian circle due to a solid Indian defence. Time and again Pakistan forward and captain Sarwar Muhammad, Nadeem Muhammad and Kahif Jawed showed signs of frustration.

Saqlain Muhammad was given a warning in the form of a green card. In the 17th minute, Abbas' hit off a penalty corner was saved by an alert Chauhan. India earned its first penalty corner in the 19th minute but captain Dilip Tirkey's shot was saved by goal-keeper Qasim Mohammad, who was brought in place of the regular Ahmad Alam.

Undeterred by the lost chance, India stepped up the tempo. In the 20th minute, Daljit Singh and Pakistan's Saqlain Mohammad were shown yellow cards as both teams were temporarily reduced to 10 players.

However, India could not be denied its second goal for long with Pillay again giving his team the lead in the 21st minute. Jugraj Singh's free hit was defelected by Gagan Ajit Singh before it hit the pads of Qasim Mohammad. The rebounder was shot home by Pillay, which gave India a 2-1 lead.

Realising that its short passes were not yielding the desired results, Pakistan changed its strategy and resorted to long passes. The move brought instant results when Pakistan forced a penalty corner in the 26th minute. Abbas made no mistake and scored the equaliser for his team.

Resuming at 2-2 after the break, India once again took control of the proceedings with continuous raids on the rival citadel. In the 41st minute, India again went ahead 3-2 following its fourth penalty corner.

Jugraj could not take full possession of the ball but managed to dribble it a few yards before his backhander hit the keeper's pads and Daljit Singh, pounced on the deflection and scooped the ball home.

The neck-and neck encounter saw Pakistan equalising once again in the 63rd minute. Gagan Ajit Singh failed to connect a Pillay cross and in the ensuing counter attack, Pakistan scored through substitute Shabbir Mohammad.

Stung by the reverse, India went all out looking for the winner with Pillay in full cry in the dying minutes. Daljit Singh, Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur also came back to rejuvenate the attack after sitting out with yellow cards.

The all important fourth goal for India came in the 67th minute. Following Pillay's shot towards the goal Pakistan's Qasim came charging towards Gagan Ajit Singh but the latter, after having a good look at the goal, lifted the ball over the 'keeper into the net.

The last eight minutes of the game saw a nervous India trying hard to defend its slender lead to record one of its most memorable victories in Asian Games.

Indian coach Rajinder Singh later gave full credit to his players. "A match against Pakistan is always charged, and more so when playing for a place in the final. The team played according to the game plan we had worked out."

PTI