In the final match of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, Japan defeated Pakistan in the final through penalty shootouts. The final match was played in Ipoh, Malaysia, and remained tied at 2-2 after the fourth quarter, leading to a decision through penalty shootouts.
Japan won the penalty shootout 4-1, securing the title of the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament for the first time. It was Japan’s first appearance in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
In the first quarter, Japan gained a 1-0 lead against Pakistan, while both teams failed to score in the second quarter.
In the third quarter, Pakistan took a 2-1 lead. Pakistan’s Ahmed Ejaz scored in the 34th minute, followed by Abdul Rahman in the 37th minute.
In the fourth quarter, Japan equalized the match at 2-2. Japan’s Kazuma Masuda scored the second goal for Japan in the 47th minute.
Pakistan had several opportunities to take the lead in the fourth quarter but failed to capitalize on them, resulting in a missed advantage for the national team.
It should be noted that in penalty shootouts, teams have 8 seconds to score. Pakistan wasted 2 out of 5 penalty shootouts.
Pakistan’s only goal in the penalty shootout was scored by Imad Butt, while Rana Wahid Ashraf and Arshad Liaqat failed to score for Pakistan.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final match was awarded to Rana Wahid Ashraf of Pakistan. The Pakistan hockey team secured the silver medal in the event.
The Pakistan team remained unbeaten in the event, winning 3 matches and drawing 2.