Penalty corner specialist Abbas struck in the 61st minute of the match as Pakistan topped the group with an all-win record at the Bukit Jalil Stadium here.

The former champions thus avoided a potentially explosive clash with arch-rivals India. Korea, who finished second in the group with nine points face a tough task against India, Pool B toppers in the first semi-final after tomorrow's rest day.

Earlier, in an inconsequential Pool A match, Japan defeated Hong Kong 4-1. Naohike Tobilta struck a brace and Shuji Fukasawa and Takahiko Yamabori contributed one each for Japan while skipper Farooq Saeed scored the consolation goal for Hong Kong.