Ordos, China: Malaysia beat Japan 3-2 in their last round robin league encounter on Friday to help India set up a clash with Pakistan in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament here.
Earlier in the day, India and Pakistan drew 2-2 in their last league game that was a virtual semi-final. The draw ensured Pakistan's entry into the final with 10 points from three wins and a draw. India, unbeaten in the tournament, ended with nine points with two wins and three draws.
However, India's entry into the final only became clear after Malaysia beat Japan, who on seven points could have pipped India to the final.
In the morning game between the two subcontinental rivals, 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.
The Indian midfield was outstanding except a few errors that came under pressure. Ravi Pal and especially Gurbaj Singh were the players who kept the Pakistan defence under pressure. They were egged on by the women's hockey team and also by the Indian Ambassador to China, who had flown into Ordos for the match.
However, Pakistan took a 2-0 lead through Muhammad Waqas (40th minute) and Muhammad Irfan (42nd).
Waqas's goal was a result of India's first defensive lapse, and they paid heavily.
Two minutes later, Shakeel Abassi and a host of Pakistan forwards moved in and won Pakistan's first penalty corner.
Muhammad Irfan sent a flyer into the right corner of the net to notch up Pakistan's second goal.
But India responded immediately with Rupinder Singh Pal finding the target from an indirect penalty corner, while Danish Mujtaba scored the equaliser in the 53rd minute.
Mujtaba's equaliser, 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.
With time running out, Pakistan played safe as a draw was enough for them to reach the final.
(With PTI inputs)
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