Pakistan beat Japan in Muscat

ISLAMABAD: After a shocking 4-4 draw against Oman on Saturday, Pakistan got a consolation 2-1 victory against Japan in the Three-Nation Hockey Tournament at Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex late Sunday.

It was Pakistan’s first win against the 16th ranked Japan in five matches, after two defeats and two draws.The first half was scoreless. Mubashar Ali broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when he converted a penalty corner into goal.

Within two minutes, Japan equalised through Kenta Tanaka, also of a penalty corner. Both the sides fought hard to go ahead. In the 48th minute, Pakistan again took the lead through their experienced striker Umar Bhutta and it remained 2-1 when the match ended.