Pakistan secured their first victory in the FIH Nations Cup with a 3-2 comeback win over Japan in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, keeping their hopes alive for a semi-final berth. The Green Shirts now gear up for a crucial clash against New Zealand on Wednesday.
In their second group-stage match of the tournament, Pakistan rallied from a 2-1 deficit to clinch a narrow win over Japan at the National Hockey Stadium. Ghazanfar Ali opened the scoring early for Pakistan in the first quarter, but Japan hit back quickly through Kazumasa and Koji Yamasaki, taking a 2-1 lead before the end of the opening period.
The second quarter remained goalless, with both teams battling for control in midfield. Pakistan found their equaliser in the third quarter through vice captain Rana Waheed Ashraf, who struck a vital goal to bring the score level at 2-2. In the final quarter, Mohammad Sufiyan Khan converted a penalty corner to restore Pakistan’s lead, which they held onto until the final whistle.
This win followed a dramatic 3-3 draw against Malaysia in Pakistan’s opening game on Sunday. In that match, Ahmed Nadeem and Abdul Rehman had given Pakistan a strong 2-0 lead early on, but Malaysia bounced back with a late flurry of goals. Rana Waheed Ashraf briefly restored Pakistan’s lead, but Syed Cholan equalised again for Malaysia, resulting in a shared point.
With one win and one draw, Pakistan are in a competitive position in Pool B, which also includes Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand. The top teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for June 20, with the final and third-place matches to follow on June 21.
The FIH Nations Cup is a crucial qualifying tournament, offering promotion to the prestigious 2025–26 FIH Pro League. Pool A features France, Korea, South Africa, and Wales, while Pool B sees Pakistan battling it out with tough regional rivals.
Pakistan Squad:
Ammad Butt (C), Rana Waheed Ashraf (VC), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufiyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem, Mohibullah.
