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Pakistan secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Japan during their second pool match of the FIH Nations Cup at Kuala Lumpur’s National Hockey Stadium in Malaysia.
Pakistan initially took the lead in the first quarter after Ghazanfar Ali scored, but Japan replied almost instantly with a goal by Kazumasa, leveling the score at 1-1.
Just two minutes later, Japan’s Koji Yamasaki netted again, giving his team a 2-1 advantage by the end of the first quarter. No goals were scored in the second quarter.
In the third quarter, Rana Waheed Ashraf leveled the match with a brilliant field goal, bringing Pakistan back into the contest against the fast-paced Japanese side.
The game’s decisive moment came in the fourth quarter when Sufiyan Khan converted a penalty corner, putting Pakistan ahead 3-2 and sealing the victory with just minutes left.
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Pakistan will now play their third and final pool match against New Zealand on Wednesday, again in Kuala Lumpur, which will determine Pakistan’s position in the group.
In their opening match, Pakistan and Malaysia played a dramatic 3-3 draw. Pakistan had led twice in that game, but Malaysia came from behind each time to equalize.
The FIH Nations Cup is a crucial tournament for teams eyeing qualification for the FIH Pro League. The winner of this event will be promoted to the 2025–26 Pro League season.
Eight teams are competing in two pools. Pool A includes France, Korea, South Africa, and Wales, while Pool B features Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
Pakistan squad for Nations Cup:
Ammad Butt (captain), Rana Waheed (vice captain), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.
