CHENNAI: Pakistan hockey team remained winless in the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after their hard-fought match against Japan drew at 3-3.
Japan had the upper hand until the final minutes of the game, however, Pakistan’s Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty stroke in the last five minutes to draw the game.
Pakistan started the match on a high with a goal in the 9th minute but only for Japan to equalize in the 13th minute. But Pakistan took the lead again, just minutes before halftime.
Japan came with renewed energy in the second half and kept creating chances until they scored one to equalize.
Japan, filled with one momentum, extended their dominance and took the lead with another goal.
Japan’s 3-2 advantage lasted until Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty just minutes before the final whistle.
Pakistan’s last game also ended in a 1-1 draw against South Korea. They had the lead early on, but couldn’t hold on to it for long as South Korea scored in the 53rd minute.
This is the 7th edition of the Asian Champions Trophy. Pakistan have won the tournament in 2012 and 2013, while India have won in 2011 and 2016.
The 2018 edition saw Pakistan and India jointly sharing the trophy as the final was forfeited due to persistent rain.
Defending champions South Korea won the tournament in 2021 after thumping Japan on penalties.
Green Shirts will face China, and India in their next fixtures on August 7 and 9 respectively.
READ: Korea hold Pakistan for a 1-1 draw in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy