Japan, Pakistan share the spoils in thrilling encounter

Pakistan held back Japan 2-2 with a late goal in the second match of the tri-nation hockey tournament in Muscat on Thursday. At the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Saeed Shajeeh scored first for Pakistan through a field goal in the 10th minute of the match. Pakistan, who beat hosts Oman 3-0 on Wednesday, held on to the one-goal lead till the last 10 minutes. In the 54th minute, Japan stunned Pakistan with twin strikes and took the lead. Yamasaki Koji found the equaliser for Japan through a brilliant field goal. In the same minute, Yamada Shota converted a penalty corner to put Japan in lead for the first time in the match. The twin goals were a wake-up call for Pakistan as they pressed hard for an equaliser. In the 58th minute, Mahmood Abu struck home from a penalty corner to salvage a draw for Pakistan. On Friday, Oman will meet Japan at 6 pm.