ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face Japan in the final of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024 in Ipoh, Malaysia today (Saturday).
The Green Shirts continued exhibiting excellent performance in the ongoing event as they drew the match against New Zealand 1-1 after a tough fight yesterday. No team could score goal till half-time as both sides were unable to capitalise on the chances they created.
New Zealand’s Luke Holmes, however, scored a field goal in the 35th minute but eight minutes later, Pakistan scored the equaliser with Abu Bakar Mahmood taking benefit from a penalty corner.
On Wednesday, Pakistan defeated Canada to have a berth in the final of the tournament.
Pakistan remained unbeaten during the round-robin stage of the event with three impressive wins and two draws in five matches. The Green Shirts played draw against Japan and New Zealand.
Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing tournament would be a morale booster for the players, especially because the team has to participate in the FIH Nations Cup in Poland’s Gniezno from May 31 to June 9 as well.
The Nations Cup is important because the winning team will have the opportunity to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League for the 2024-25 season.
