Tonight at Kuala Lumpur’s National Stadium, Pakistan delivered a dramatic performance, overcoming Japan with a 3–2 victory in their second match of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup dawn.com+2dawn.com+2dawn.com+2.
⚡ Early adrenaline: quick goals
The Green Shirts struck first, with Ghazanfar Ali opening the scoring in the opening quarter. But Japan responded immediately—within 60 seconds—through Kazumasa Matsumoto, leveling the score 1–1. Moments later, Koji Yamasaki capitalized on the momentum to put Japan ahead 2–1 before the end of the first quarter dawn.com+1dawn.com+1.
🛡️ Midgame pause: Both teams regroup
The second quarter saw both sides tighten their defence, with no change on the scoreboard. It was a tactical exchange, with Pakistan working to regain control and Japan aiming to extend their slim lead .
🥅 Turning point: Pakistan roars back
In the third quarter, vice-captain Waheed Ashraf Rana struck, leveling the match at 2–2 and reigniting Pakistan’s hopes dawn.com+1dawn.com+1. Encouraged by this resurgence, the Green Shirts pressed forward.
🎯 Match-winner: Sufyan Khan seals triumph
The final quarter delivered the drama: Sufyan Khan found the net with a clinical finish to break the tie and push Pakistan ahead 3–2. The roaring crowd erupted as Pakistan grabbed their first victory in this eight-team tournament dawn.com+1dawn.com+1.
🧠 Context & what’s next
Just a day earlier, Pakistan battled to a thrilling 3–3 draw against hosts Malaysia—letting a late lead slip away . Now, buoyed by this result, they head into a showdown with New Zealand on Wednesday, June 18, at 3 pm PKT dawn.com+1dawn.com+1.
The FIH Nations Cup, running from June 15–21, features eight teams including Malaysia, France, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales dawn.com+1dawn.com+1. For Pakistan, this win not only boosts confidence but also cements their place as true contenders in the tournament.
This gripping match had it all—rapid goals, momentum swings, and clutch finishes. Pakistan’s resilience and strategic poise turned the tide. Their performance tonight proves they’re not just participants, but genuine challengers on the road to the Pro League.
