In the semi-finals played at the National Stadium here today, CRPF scored a goal in each half to oust Pakistan XI 2-0 while Air India put out the challenge of Border Security Force with a narrow 6-5 verdict.

The CRPF-Pakistan XI match was played on a slow pace with neither team very eager to go on the offensive. Both teams played safe and ventured into the opponents' territory only when they were sure of making it to the citadel. There were not many goal-scoring opportunities in the match and neither side forced many penalty corners. In fact, CRPF were awarded three and the visitors four. Unfortunately, none of the teams could cash in on the chances.

CRPF were the first o make the move and they succeeded in moving ahead.

Topher Kujur gave the team the advantage in the ninth minute by scoring a goal. With the advantage of the goal, CRPF seemed content and played the rest of the first half defending their goal, instead of going on the offensive to increase their lead. They could not capitalise on the two penalty corners awarded to them in the first half.

The second half followed a similar pattern with the teams mostly keeping themselves busy in the midfield.

It was only towards the closing stages of the match that Mukesh Kumar of CRPF scored the team's second and final goal to seal the fate of the Pakistan XI.

The other semi-final, on the contrary, was fast-paced and lively. Air India dominated the proceedings right from the start and led 3-0 at one stage before Border Security Force came back strongly to reduce the margin to just one goal.

Gagan Ajit Singh was the star of the Air India team's victory, accounting for four of the team's six goals.

Air India were ahead 3-0, the goals coming in the space of just three minutes. Gagan Ajit Singh gave Air India the lead in the fifth minute while Darryl D'Souza increased the lead in the very next minute and then Gagan Ajit scored his second goal.

Stung by the reverse, BSF went on the attack and were rewarded with a goal in the 14th minute when M Lakra scored. Five minutes later, BSF's Narinder Singh converted the team's fourth penalty corner to further reduce the margin. Fortune kept shifting from side to the other as Gagan Ajit (27th minute) and Habil Topno scored a goal each before half time.

After change of ends, Gagan Ajit Singh and Rajesh Chauhan scored for Air India while BSF reduced the margin with goals from H herenz and Sushil Kumar.