ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured a spot in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 final following a stunning turnaround in their recent clash against Canada. This sets the stage for an exciting showdown against Japan scheduled for Saturday.
With a remarkable track record in the international men’s field hockey tournament held in Malaysia, Pakistan has claimed the championship three times in 1999, 2000, and 2003. However, their performance saw a decline in recent years, marking the first time they’ve reached the tournament final since 2011.
Radio Pakistan announced on Thursday that Pakistan and Japan have both earned their places in the final of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey tournament. The final will take place in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Saturday.
In their thrilling encounter against Canada on Wednesday, Pakistan found themselves trailing 2-0 within the first 17 minutes. Yet, displaying resilience and skill, they mounted a comeback, securing a narrow 5-4 victory.
Leading the table with three victories and a draw in four matches, Pakistan will face Japan in the final. Their previous encounter ended in a draw as both teams fiercely competed to outdo each other.
Malaysia and New Zealand are currently tied with six points each, trailing behind Pakistan, occupying the third and fourth positions respectively in the tournament standings.
