Pakistan held by Japan

Former champions Pakistan were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their second match of the Hero Asia Cup at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Following a convincing 7-0 win over Bangladesh, Pakistan had the opportunity to confirm their Super 4s berth with a second straight victory, but they wasted the opportunity despite taking the lead. To advance now they will need at least a draw against archrivals India in the last Pool A match if Japan beat Bangladesh on the same day.

Japan, who came into the match on the back of a 5-1 defeat at the hands against India, produced a much-improved performance to keep Pakistan at bay in the first quarter, but  the former champions took the lead in the first minute of the second quarter through a penalty corner converted by Arslan Qadir.

However, Japan hit back to level the margin in the 22nd minute through a strike from Tanaka Kenta, and then Yoshihara Heita scored in the 29th minute as Japan were sensing an upset.

Pakistan, however, fought hard and levelled the margin in the 50th minute, thanks to a nice build-up play from Arslan and an eventual tap-in from Umar Bhutta.