India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Live Updates: A second-string Indian men's hockey team, led by veteran defender Birendra Lakra had an upper edge in the whole game and a win seemed obvious for the 'Men in Blue' until a 'match-saving' equaliser from Junior World Cup skipper Abdul Rana in the penultimate minute saved the day for Pakistan. At full time, a nervy India had to share honors with arch-rivals Pakistan as the tournament opener ended in a 1-1 draw at the GBK Sports Complex Hockey Stadium in Indonesia's Jakarta.
After debutant Selvam Kartik's first-quarter strike, India successfully defended its 1-0 lead throughout the match until Pakistan scored equaliser in dying minute of the game in the fourth and final quarter. With just 69 seconds left for the match to get over, Abdul Rana won a penalty corner and made the most of it by scoring the equaliser.
In the first three quarters, Pakistan had a flurry of chances to score but India's goalkeeper Suraj Karkera was exceptional in his defence. Pakistan and India are classified into Pool A alongside Japan.
India vs Pakistan First Quarter
India took a 1-0 lead over Pakistan in the first quarter itself. India's Selvam Karthi hit a penalty corner in the ninth minute, which deflected from the Pakistani defender's hockey stick and went into the goalpost. In this way, India took the 1-0 lead, taking advantage of the error made by the Pakistani player.
India vs Pakistan Second Quarter
In the 16th minute, Pakistan missed the opportunity to score. Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a brilliant save. In the 21st minute, the Indian team got a penalty corner, but the team could not capitalize on it. Pakistan also got a penalty corner in the 28th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Sooraj made a save against Pakistan. In this way, till 30 minutes i.e. half time, India was on top and had the upper hand.
Background
India began its campaign at Asia Cup 2022 against arch-rivals Pakistan at the GBK Sports Complex Hockey Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. The defending champions India is led by Olympic medallist Birendra Lakra with an experienced striker and a veteran of four Asia Cups, SV Sunil, as his deputy. Pakistan is aiming to qualify for the 2023 Hockey World Cup, slated to take place in Bhubaneswar. The top three teams from the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 will directly qualify for the 2023 Hockey World Cup, to be held in January. Both India and Pakistan have won the Asia Cup three times each.