Sultan of Johor Cup: Pakistan, India fixture ends in draw

JOHOR BAHRU: Sufyan Khan’s 54th-minute strike helped Pakistan hold arch-rivals India to a 3-3 draw in a thrilling Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.

The highly anticipated clash got off to an enthralling start as skipper Hannan Shahid gave Pakistan an early lead just five minutes into the game by successfully converting a penalty stroke.

The Green Shirts nearly doubled their lead soon after, but Sufyan’s penalty-corner attempt went narrowly wide of the post.

Both teams pressed hard for goals, yet the score remained 1-0 in Pakistan’s favour at halftime.

Pakistan extended their lead in the 39th minute when Sufyan successfully converted another penalty corner, moments after India had missed their own scoring chance.

India mounted a stunning comeback, netting three goals in just eight minutes through Araijeet Singh Hundal, Sourabh Anand, and Manmeet Singh, to seize a 3-2 lead with nine minutes remaining.

Pakistan, however, refused to back down. Sufyan dodged the Indian goalkeeper to slot home the equaliser five minutes before the final whistle.

The closing minutes saw end-to-end action as both sides pushed for a winner, but the contest ended level at 3-3, leaving the traditional rivals to share the spoils.

As per tradition, both teams shook hands before the start of the match, symbolising sportsmanship despite fierce rivalry.