Web Desk
SALALAH: Pakistan held India to a 1-1 draw, extending their unbeaten streak in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 hockey tournament in Salalah, Oman on Saturday.
In the match, Sharda Nand Tiwari scored the opening goal for India in the 24th minute, while Pakistan’s Basharat Ali equalized in the 44th minute.
Both India and Pakistan have accumulated seven points each from their three games in Pool A, but Pakistan leads the group with a better goal difference. Japan, who defeated Chinese Taipei 10-1 earlier on Saturday, currently sits third in the group with six points from three matches.
Playing at the Salalah Sports Complex, the Pakistan team displayed excellent defense against the Indian attack in the first quarter, which ended without a goal despite India enjoying more possession.
India took the lead through a penalty corner, with Sharad Nand Tiwari flicking the ball into the net to give his team a 1-0 advantage before halftime.
However, Pakistan launched a counterattack in the third quarter and put pressure on the Indian defense. Although India earned a couple of penalty corners, they failed to convert them into goals. On the other hand, Pakistan equalized through Ali Basharat, who scored from close range to make it 1-1.
The final quarter witnessed a back-and-forth battle as both teams fought for a winning goal, but the match ended in a deadlock.
Pakistan now has a good chance of qualifying for the semifinals of the tournament and securing a spot in the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2023. Their next match against Japan on May 29 is crucial, and they only need to avoid a defeat to advance.
As hosts, Malaysia has already qualified for the World Cup. Since they have also reached the semifinals of the Junior Asia Cup, it means that the other three teams that make it to the semifinals will also earn entry into the World Cup.
