After coming near to victory, Pakistan faced defeat against Japan in penalty shootout by 4-1 in the final match, losing bid to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024.
The final was decided on shootout after both teams scored two goals apiece at the end of full time.
Japan took the lead in the shootout courtesy of Ryoma Ooka while his teammates continued the momentum, scoring the other three.
Meanwhile, Pakistan missed the first two whereas Ammad Butt netted the ball in the third stroke.
Earlier, Japan staged a comeback to level the score 2-2 after Pakistan scored two goals in the third quarter. Kazumasa Matsumoto produced the second goal in the 47th minute.
In the third quarter, Pakistan came from behind as Ajaz Ahmed netted the goal in the 34th minute while Abdul Rehman scored in the 37th minute.
Seren Tanaka scored the first goal for Japan at the 12th-minute mark and gain a lead.
Remember, Pakistan qualified for the final for the first time in 13 years.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 saw the conclusion of round matches on Friday with Japan and Pakistan finishing as the top two teams on the points table as both remained unbeaten throughout the round-robin matches.
Japan remained on the top with 13 points as they won four matches and drew only one. While Pakistan stayed in the second position with 11 points.
Pakistan chase down 109-run target in mere 11.5 overs without losing a single wicket in Women Asia Cup match
Iqbal has continued his winning streak as this is his third title in Australia this year
Indian cricketer warns those spreading news, saying: "If you have guts, then speak from verified pages"
National women's team experiences bad start as Blues chase down 109-run target in just 14.1 overs
This is because all-format players will not be issued the certificate as per the policy, say sources
"Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways," says Indian cricketer in Instagram post
