It’s India vs Pakistan in Asian Champions hockey final

Ordos (China): India staged a remarkable fightback to hold arch-rivals Pakistan 2-2 in a thrilling final group encounter of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here today. Later India also made the final thanks to Malaysia who beat Japan.

Unbeaten in the tournament, India dominated the barren first half but conceded two goals in two minutes to trail 0-2 by the 42nd minute only to come from behind to draw the match under chilly and windy conditions.

With today’s draw, Pakistan booked a berth for the summit clash with 10 points from three wins and a draw.

India, ending the group round-robin league unbeaten on nine points from two wins and three draws, also made it to the final after Malaysia beat Japan 3-2.

Whether India would make it to the final or not depended on the result of the match between Japan and Malaysia.

If Malaysia won India would sail through to the final provided South Korea, who are on six points, do not beat China by more than seven goals. Japan, on seven points, would’ve pipped India to the final if they beat Malaysia.

Pakistan took a 2-0 lead through Muhammad Waqas (40th minute) and Muhammad Irfan (42nd) but India responded immediately with Rupinder finding the target from an indirect penalty corner.

Danish Mujtaba’s equaliser in the 53rd minute, a deflection from his stick, was a tad controversial as New Zealand umpire Simon Taylor did not initially award a goal. But the Indians appealed and the South Korean umpire, after consultations with Taylor, let the goal stand.